Athlone creative aims to uplift youth through staging of musical ‘Octaves’
AN ATHLONE-based creative director aims to uplift local youth through theatre, after writing a musical called Octaves, which will be showcased at Artscape in October.
Imaan Anders, 35, wrote the production in 2014 for TV but held on to it for dear life after being told that her story “lacked colour”. However, she said that didn’t stop her from pursuing her goal, and she approached Artscape for space to stage it, and they accepted.
She said award-winning actor and writer Daniel Mpilo Richards assisted in adjusting the script for the stage, with the aim of including youth from various areas in the production.
Octaves tells the story of students who find their voices through music and theatre.
“It was a few months ago where a friend and I sat thinking about strategic ways to bring the community into this production. It was when we decided to add the upliftment programme that my thinking changed, and it motivated me to do this now, more than ever, as it meant I could give back or assist someone who really needed to step up, and it’s those types of gestures that push me every day – aiding others,” she said.
Her dream was to give talented young artists a platform to showcase their talents.
Producer Kaylin Khan said she was “thrilled” when Anders approached her with the idea. “This is something that is very close to my heart, especially as a 28-year-old from Mitchells Plain, an area that is known for crime and gangs. The area is often tainted by drugs and crime but they don’t realise the talent that lies in there,” said Khan.
“We hope to inspire young people all around while being in a safe space. Art is about that, beauty and just letting loose. I am very proud to be a part of this and I’m excited about it.”
Anders said that the workshop candidates
came from Atlantis and Mitchells Plain among other areas. The workshop is on from August 2 until September 3.
Artscape spokesperson Simone Heradien said: “Productions such as Octaves stem from the need that Artscape, as an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, assist the performing arts towards fruitful and professional development for theatre to remain alive and thrive. Especially, given the current situation, as well as providing a stepping stone towards ultimate professional theatre, this would earn youth, into adulthood, a sustainable income either through performance art or technical and administrative assistance that theatres require.”
Octaves will be staged at Artscape from October 14 to October 23.
Tickets, available at Computicket, are priced at R155, R175, and R200.
Anyone who can donate food, snacks, and water for the cast and crew can email Immediahouse01@gmail.com