The National Arts Festival is a great opportunity to get children excited about the arts – and keep them entertained during the school holidays into the bargain.
The National Arts Festival is a great opportunity to get children excited about the arts – and keep them entertained during the school holidays into the bargain.
The easy way for working parents is to book them into the Children's Arts Festival, from 27 June to 6 July.
But if you're looking for family friendly fare to share, the ASSITEJ Family Venue and Satellite Productions is where to start.
Nine productions and workshops, as well as exciting pop-up performances, will keep Grahamstown buzzing throughout the festival.
The main ASSITEJ venue is Oatlands Preparatory.
Satellite venues are the NG Kerk Hall, Memory Hall, St Andrews and Vicky’s.
"We want families in Grahamstown to feel that the festival is accessible for them and that they can experience the festival together without compromising on the quality of what they see," said Yvette Hardie, Director of ASSITEJ SA and President of ASSITEJ international.
"When you come to an ASSITEJ production at our Oatlands Venue, you will find a welcoming atmosphere, great food, interactive experiences for the children, and some wonderful artistic surprises, popping up between shows."
“Since ASSITEJ is concerned about the many children in South Africa who do not have access to theatre, we have taken the initiative to sell fun items made by Artist Proof Studios, which will contribute towards ensuring that needy children have access to theatre."
They also have our SMS line that enables the public to make a contribution of R10 by texting “Theatre4Youth” to 38490, thereby sponsoring a deserving child’s ticket to the theatre.
"There will be a daily SMS draw and the lucky winner will also be given two free tickets to a show at the venue,” Hardie said.
During the festival, ASSITEJ SA will also put the spotlight on creating work for teenagers through the “Inspiring a Generation 2013” programme.
This year’s exchange will be with French writers, with the South Africans developing new work specifically for the teen market.
The artists will discuss their experiences and approaches so far, and will share extracts from their new plays, at a special “Inspiring” Event on Saturday 6 July (time to be announced).
In addition to other activities, awareNet and the VSA (Village Scribe Association) will be on-site to conduct interactive monitoring and evaluation that will enable visitors to leave their opinions and feedback in a sociable, collaborative and child-friendly space.
Access the platform from your mobile device or provided laptops. Among the ASSITEJ acts is local legends Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company.
They will stage Betti and the Yeti at Memory Hall at St Andrew's throughout the Festival. P
roductions this year include for the youngest age-group, the award-winning Kitchen Fables in a Cookie Jar, the puppet bonanza of See-far-I and the magical, interactive Once Upon a Puppy.
For the 6+ age group, as well as Betti and the Yeti, there are the wonderfully wacky A Tale of Horribleness and the moving adventures Falling Moon and River of Life. For the 10+ age group, there is the imaginative, hilarious Get Kracken and the scifi comedy-adventure Lenny and the Wasteland.
For details read Page 168 of the Festival programme, or visit www.assitej.org.za.
