26-08-2014: Inner City High Schools Drama Festival
The Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival presents the 2014 Inner-City High Schools Drama Festival for the eighth time running while the significant schools festival celebrates 10 years of gradual growth.
Taking place at the Hillbrow Theatre from August 29 to September 6, the Inner-City High Schools Drama Festival will be opened by a discussion by learners on the meaning of 20 years of democracy to mark this achievement.
This year 35 schools from all around Johannesburg are participating, including former model C schools, independent, government, township and private schools such as Parktown High School for Girls Centurion College, Eden Park Secondary School and Reasoma Secondary School.
The festival’s location and out-reach programme make it quite special. Most inner-city high schools have little-to-no arts and culture education. The festival was therefore developed to bring the dramatic arts to inner-city learners. This outreach programme facilitates learners’ growth and understanding of the dramatic arts and provides a safe space for inner-city teenagers to bond and collaborate.
“I was recently touched by one of the learners who spoke of her drama group as a family and how she has matured as a person because of it. What we tried to do is create a journey for the learners that will nurture and enrich. But we in turn are being empowered and inspired by them. We’re proud that we have achieved 10 years, but one can never rest. We have to always work towards sustainability with our partners,” says Creative Director of the Hillbrow Theatre Project, Gerard Bester.
Facilitators of the Hillbrow Theatre Project, young artists working in the city and second year Market Theatre Laboratory students go to various inner-city schools weekly to guide the learners in their creation of their festival plays.
As a major highlight, 23 facilitators have been secured for the outreach programme due to generous funding from Rand Merchant Bank. Six former Market Theatre Laboratory students have also been employed to work in various schools.
The festival promises a line-up of thought provoking, fresh plays speaking to the theme of South Africa’s young democracy. The facilitators have engaged the learners in workshops on directing and performance and have been supported by the Constitution Hill Education Project and Robert Colman in unpacking and opening discussions around the topic of democracy.
This year’s adjudicators include theatre and television stars, Mpho Molepo, Nqobile Siphamla and Mncedisi Shabangu. Acclaimed actor and former Hillbrow Theatre member, Dumisani Dlamini is the festival ambassador, whose role is to visit the schools and encourage learners in their creations.
The Inner-City High Schools Drama festival is funded by the City of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive International Festival, Rand Merchant Bank, Department of Arts and Culture and Lovelife. Over the decade, it has partnered with Constitution Hill Education Project, Market Theatre Laboratory and Assitej South Africa.
Kgomotso Moncho
072 435 4632 / 011 447 5612
media@dreammultimedia.co.za
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Ashveer Kewalpershad
071 885 3925 / 011 447 5612
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