On 22 August 2015, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted the Eden Drama Festival Showcase at the George Arts Theatre in George. It was the second part of three adjudication showcases scheduled taking pleace across the Eden District.
Drama groups from Heidelberg, Grootbrak, Thembalethu and George participated in the showcases. It was made possible through the collaboration with the (DCAS funded organisation) George Society of Arts alongside a strong partnership with the Baxter Theatre's Zabalaza Festival. The festival has also drawn the interest of the George Municipality.
The entire day was coordinated by the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) staff of Oudtshoorn and Head Office in Cape Town. Ms Heather Stead from the George Arts Theatre opened the showcase while Councillor C Neethling from George Municipality equipped the participants with some motivational. An inspiring message by Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais was read by Cultural Officer Moeniel Jacobs who also provided a brief background around the Eden drama programme. The Masters of Ceremonies for the day were EPWP staff member Elton Louw and Eden Drama Festival veteran William Michaels who performed in two television series on KYKNET. Mauresha Piedt and Denver Jansen coordinated the stage management while Dimitri Jappies captured the event as photographer.
Seven groups took part in the second leg of the Fifth Anniversary of the Eden Drama Festival. They were Thembalethu Drama Group (Thembalethu), Unexpected Drama Group (George), Team Explosive (George), Jade and Barrynique (George), Youth Revolution (Grootbrak), Kairos Drama Group (Heidelberg) and Genagetix Drama Group (Heidelberg)
“Coordinating my first event was stressful but seeing the youth performing on the stage made the stress all worth it. Seeing these amazing talents being appreciated and helping them developing their talent is what this festival is all about ”, says DCAS EPWP Intern Aashieqa Hardien.
The selected groups to move on to the development phase of the festival were Thembalethu Drama group (Thembalethu), Unexpected Drama Group (George), Team Explosive (George, Genagetix Drama Group (Heidelberg) as well as Jade and Barrynique (George) who showed great potential during their production.
These productions will be subjected to finer touches by the Baxter Theatre’s Zabalaza Festival section to prepare them for their finale as well as for the overall winner’s journey to the Zabalaza Festival and Suidoosterfees in Cape Town.
DCAS presents these festivals to identify and develop the arts in communities. Communities should support these festivals to invest in local talent. Let us continue to develop the arts BETTER TOGETHER.
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za