Paint-bucket drums beat out a constant rhythm with tin-can guitars and bottlecap tambourines in tow as artists from Ireland, Portugal, Brazil, France and Grahamstown hit the streets on Friday afternoon.
Paint-bucket drums beat out a constant rhythm with tin-can guitars and bottlecap tambourines in tow as artists from Ireland, Portugal, Brazil, France and Grahamstown hit the streets on Friday afternoon.
The street parade was held to celebrate the end of a series of workshops being held in Grahamstown to show locals how to create musical instruments using recycled materials.
The project, which is entitled 'Urban Ballets' and is funded by the European Union, will take place over 16 months in four different cities – in Grahamstown, Belfast in Ireland, Santa Maria de Feira in Portugal, and Cenon and Bordeaux in France.
Dancers, singers, choreographers and musicians took part in the South African collaboration, which will culminate along with this year's Arts Festival in the ceremonial closing parade.
"At the end of this project, they've taken home skills that they can continue working with even after the Festival," said Ismail Mahomed, Director of the National Arts Festival.
"It was a great experience for all the artists who manage this project, because we had great feedback [from]people with whom we are working," said Mathieu Galy, the production manager for French group Rocher de Palmer.
He expressed hope that the project would inspire locals to continue creating 'urban ballets' once it is over.
