TRACEY SAUNDERS
“Ke Nako”, was the cry that echoed throughout South Africa in 2010 when the FIFA World Cup came to our shores. The first day of the 19th ASSITEJ World Congress and International Theatre Festival for Children and Young People was abuzz with excitement as delegates registered at the City Hall which has been transformed in to a conference venue and theatre for the next few weeks, and there was a palpable sense that the World Cup of Children’s Theatre was here.
World Cup of Children’s Theatre
The day before the Festival began in earnest was the first day of the ITYARN (International Theatre for Young Audiences Research Network) conference. The network is dedicated to the study, development and creation of work for young people. They believe that scholarly intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange, as well as a continued dialogue between researchers and practitioners, will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of theory on practice and practice on theory from multiple perspectives.
Comprised of academics and theatre makers the panel discussion and conference papers are set to explore the theme of Examining intercultural exchange and diversity in theatre for young audiences. The first day included papers focused on presenting work to refugee children in Europe, the role of young children in theatre in Mexico with relation to politics and a project exploring gender, sexuality, queerness and feminism titled Gendersaurus Rex, to mention a few. At the welcome dinner at Gold Restaurant smatterings of Spanish, Portuguese, German, Swahili and a lilting Irish brogue were just some of the voices heard above the musical entertainment provided.
Opening Ceremony
The festival begins in earnest on 17 May with the Opening Ceremony at the Baxter Theatre. While there won’t be any international musicians and I doubt it will be televised it will herald ten days where children and young people are literally given centre stage, something sorely needed in our city at the moment.
The conference continues today and audiences can begin to enjoy the festival fare. Welcoming the world to Cape Town is a frequent occurrence but this is the first time that festival and congress of this nature has been hosted by the city. Brush off your 2010 spirit and enjoy the extreme sport of theatre, where anything can, and often does happen. “Ke Nako” – it is indeed.
Festival Picks of the Day
Recommended for children 3-6 years old
EKHAYA (South Africa). Directed by Koleka Putuma and Jennie Reznek. Design by Franceso Nassimbeni. With Jason Jacobs, Babalwa Makwetu, Nolufefe Ntshuntshe and Luvo Tamba. Baxter Theatre
What and where is home, a question which is playfully illustrated with cardboard boxes and a cast of youthful energy which build homes in front of your eyes. Nassimbeni’s design makes wonderful use of recyclable materials and the cast create an immediate rapport with young children. This is a multilingual production with a selection of catchy songs that will be sung on the way home.
For older children and young adults
ANIMAL FARM (South Africa). Directed by Neil Coppen. With Mpume Mthombeni, Tshego Khutsoane, MoMo Matsunyane, Mandisa Nduna, Zesuliwe Hadebe and Khutjo Bakunzi-Green. Artscape Theatre
It may be more than seventy years since George Orwell’s futuristic novel was published but in recent months it has soared to the top of bestseller lists at book stores internationally, particularly in the USA, and it’s not difficult to understand why. This adaptation has toured various venues in the country and played to sold out houses at the National Arts Festival in 2016. This is the first opportunity to see it on a stage in Cape Town and it is a phenomenal production which you miss at your peril. The cast of young black women create a landscape which will make you shudder. Weeks after watching this performance I was still often startled by images presented and echoes of the script on the daily news. There are few superlatives which do the performances justice, suffice to say you will never hear the phrase: “Some animals are more equal than others” without the memory of THIS cast chilling the blood in your veins.
Where and when: City Hall, Baxter Theatre, Artscape Theatre and other venues until May 27
Book: Computicket
Full programme: www.assitej2017.0rg.za
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