30 Learners from Schoemanspoort, 20km outside Oudtshoorn, have been involved in Dance and Drama Training at the Schoemanspoort Cultural Facility since 4 October until 29 November 2014.
These learners were given the opportunity to show off their skills during the Drama and Dance auditioning process that took place on 1 November 2014. They auditioned to be cast in a production that will be showcased for the Schoemanspoort community on Saturday, 6 December 2014 in memory of late former president, Nelson Mandela.
The play was created by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) Oudtshoorn Regional Office staff members, four Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries and one Premier’s Advancement of Youth Project (PAY) intern. The name of the production is “FREEDOM” and its story will take you on a journey of confusion, resistance, self-discovery and love.
“The training and showcasing is to enhance the image of DCAS in the marginalised communities, bringing forth unity within our communities,” said Samantha Thomas, the regional Principal Cultural Officer. “The first year initiative has given the unexposed talent in the rural areas the necessary platform to be developed. I am proud to say that the five interns at the Oudtshoorn DCAS Regional Office were trained to be facilitators in the arts and took whatever knowledge they acquired, and applied it to the Dance and Drama project. Our vision is to ensure effective, sustainable and continuous projects within our marginalized communities.”
DCAS gives young people the opportunity to participate in drama productions. Communities should encourage the youth to use these opportunities to reach their full potential. Let us nurture and develop the dance and drama, BETTER TOGETHER.
Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis-leroux@westerncape.gov.za