Media Alert: MOD Learners to Showcase Their Talent at Artscape

This coming weekend, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) will be offering an exciting opportunity for youth taking part in After-school Programmes, to showcase their talents on stage. The After-school Programmes are offered by the Mass Participation, Opportunity, Access, Development and Growth (MOD) Programme.

The Department will be showcasing the production, “Earth Moves”, at the Artscape Theatre and the participating young people will be given the opportunity to perform on stage and showcase their dancing and singing abilities and other skills.

The MOD Programme, a flagship programme of DCAS, presents learners with the opportunity to participate in various after-school activities, which include sport, arts and culture. These activities also offer the learners access to skills and talent development opportunities.

“Earth Moves” takes the form of the finals of a talent competition, with different groups of children competing to be chosen as the winning group. The semi-finals were held in April 2015, at the Baxter theatre.

Minister Anroux Marais says that she is extremely proud of the MOD Programme.   “My department has worked hard to ensure that children have access to better after-school activities through the MOD Centres. It is important that we give our youth the chance to showcase and hone their various talents. I am very excited to see these talented learners perform on the Artscape stage.” she said. On Friday evening 60 learners from across the province will attend the show by invitation of the Minister. Minister Marais said she wanted to give learners the opportunity to have a new experience, and open up their minds to the opportunities available to them.

Premier Helen Zille and Minister Anroux Marais will attend Saturday evening’s show.  

As part of the department’s Youth Month celebrations, as well as the finals of this talent competition, there will be two shows taking place over this coming weekend. On Friday, 26 June 2015, the department will be hosting schools and teachers to come and watch the learners perform, while on Saturday, 27 June 2015, invited guests will be hosted by Minister Anroux Marais to watch the performance.

Media wishing to attend on the evening of 27 July can contact Tania Colyn at Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za