Exciting Artscape programme celebrates democracy throughout the year

Its yearlong programme includes the development of new artistic products, youth development and performing arts education. It will be unveiled on 24 February 2014 at the Artscape Theatre, where the Wellington/Mbwekeni Youth Band is set to perform.

Artscape's chief executive, Michael Maas says, "The comprehensive programme will include representing classical and indigenous arts, a technical training programme, a Resource Centre and a writing programme.

"Our emphasis is on sustainable theatre practice, education and development and the establishment of valuable partnerships with organisations and NGOs, with similar aims and objectives.

"Every year the organisation presents a variety of arts programmes at venues in and outside of the Artscape Theatre Centre. During 2014, we will continue to encourage the growth of the arts. It is our hope that it will continue to inspire our country's artists to produce work that is new, creative and a reflection of our diverse and dynamic society."

Theme - democracy in action

ADE's director Marlene le Roux adds, "The vision is to offer culturally diverse educational, youth and skills programmes to all the communities of the Western Cape.

"During 2014, with our theme 'Democracy in Action', we aim to expand our vision of taking theatre to the people, and making it accessible to all. The support and nurturing of talent is vital and ensures that the stories from all our communities will be kept alive.

"In being able to present these educational programmes, entertainment and life-skills courses in an effort to contribute to nation-building, we gratefully acknowledge the support of all our partners and sponsors, both nationally and internationally."

Learnerships to be celebrated

On the same day that ADE launches its 2014/15 programme, it also celebrates school learners who have completed a music industry practice learnership. Artscape launched this learnership in April 2013 with a grant from the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport SETA.

The learnership is one of its key rural projects and uses music literacy and music skills development to enable unemployed rural youth to access job opportunities in the music industry. Project partners include the Breytenbach Centre and St Albans Primary School. A certification ceremony will take place at the launch.

ADE plans to continue with its High School Drama Festival from April to August. Learners will create and present an original drama around a central theme on a professional stage. This year's theme is Democracy, Demokrasie, Demokrasi.

Bringing set works to life

Grade 12 language studies set works will also come to life on stage in May. The isiXhosa set work Amaza is a thriller set in a rural village in the Transkei while VersKabaret focuses on Afrikaans poetry.

Also in May, the National Acting Competition for high school learners will see grade 8 to 12 actors compete for top honours. This competition aims to give individuals the opportunity to compare their abilities with those of other learners countrywide and to develop creativity. Cash prizes, acting jobs and educational bursaries are up for grabs.

Dance has also not been forgotten as Vuyani Dance theatre presents Four Seasons, a dance set work for Grade 12 learners in August. This contemporary dance company under the directorship of Gregory Vuyani Maqoma also focuses on community outreach programmes, where they are making a significant impact to the lives of our youth and building better communities.

In addition, in the spirit of multi-cultural consciousness, the Credo Schools Programme proposes to celebrate the values of common citizenship and to explore the determined triumph of the human spirit over adversity through an exciting schools competition for Grade 4-7 learners from schools and CBOs of the arts. It culminates in a production on May 16 at Artscape Theatre.

For more information, go to www.artscape.co.za.