Final Dress Rehearsal...

Just returned from the final dress rehearsal and I am so chuffed! It was the first time that the kids were in the performance venue and in 'costume' and they were phenomenal! I am so impressed even after working with them for all this time, they managed to bring tears to my eyes. Such dedication and focus and most importantly they are so chuffed with themselves! And being the budding professionals that they are, they actually requested another run-through later... This is the reason why I love theatre! To see the passion growing in young kids and to know that they will always remember this opportunity fondly!

The Newsletter....

The first draft design of the Outcomes Newsletter is done and hopefully there will be a few cash contributions so that enough copies can be printed for distribution/sale during the festival period.

I've decided that short of anything else, I will try to sell whatever I can afford to print as a programme at the performances to cover costs and hopefully raise some extra income to give the kids a bit of a treat for their hard work.

 Cash deposits or transfers can be made to:

Capitec Savings Account
Account Holder: Ian Allemann
Account Number: 1239263498
Branch Code: 470010 (Graaff Reinet)
Ref: Arts Project

And the good news is...

It seems that I have finally managed to meet with someone who is willing to take over the Arts Project from the beginning of next term. This comes as such a relief for Barbara and the kids. Thanks so much to Thea for being open to the possibility and I know that the project will grow from here. I'm also in the process of finalizing the design of the outcomes newsletter and hopefully during next week I will be able to have the copies made in Graaff Reinett where the best price is 70c for a double-sided A4, so anyone who has a few rand available....

The bank details are:
Capitec Bank - Savings Account
Account Holder: Ian Allemann
Account Number: 1239263498
Branch Code: 470010 (Graff Reinet)
Ref: Arts Project

Painted faces...

 The final art project Monday workshop....

For the past six months I've been trying to get someone to take over the art project...

 No one has stepped up to the plate...

 In Nieu Bethesda, everyone is too busy to volunteer an hour of their time to a group of kids...

 This is a busy town...

 For all the beauty I've had the privilege of experiencing...

 It breaks my heart to think that so few hearts are touched by the surrounds...

 To give a little love where it is needed...

 And I'm told that this is just how it is...

So sad...

GENERAL APPEAL!

The Lettie De Klerk Primary School started the year with just five teachers for 250 learners.Recently the eastern cape Education department has allocated additional teachers to the school and at the beginning of the new term one of these teachers joined the staff while two more are scheduled to arrive on the 1st of October. The school is comprised of just ten prefabricated units with two rooms in each. Currently seven of the rooms are being used as classrooms with the additional three being used as the principal's office, a storeroom/kitchen for the feeding scheme and a school library/art class. With the additional two teachers arriving in October, the storeroom/kitchen as well as the library will have to be utilized for the new teachers.

So with the good comes the bad!

The principal, Mrs Barbara Vaaltyn has asked me to assist with trying to secure sponsorship for two 12 meter shipping containers or for the construction of additional facilities that will be able to be used for the library and storeroom, but unfortunately nothing has as yet been forthcoming. I am hereby appealing to anyone who may know of a potential sponsor in their networks who may be interested and able to become involved in the development of this school to contact Barbara Vaaltyn on barbaravaaltyn@gmail.com or 079 705 6688 or 049 841 1639.

The Cast

Maria Van Rensburg

Angelique Smit

Elsmarie Tromp

Caitlyn Tromp

Androlene Jacobs

Lucrisha Hector

Urasmia Swiers

Ethel Swarts

Claronique Barends

Die Droomdief Rehearsals

Just returned from rehearsals and despite the expected niggles of working with young, playful kids I am once again blown away! As the kids become more accustomed to the process and gain confidence in my direction and their own ability to interpret the script, there are little pockets of pure magic that are developing. These girls are coming out of their shells and embracing the magic of theatre; finding nuances in the text and in their characters and having a whole lot of fun in the process. And of course they just love the soup: Springbok and lentils with barley and carrots! And after they have eaten, with the energy levels peaking they just explode with creative energy! I am truly blessed to be working with this fine group of young actors who are raring to spread the message of holding onto dreams with the rest of their friends and the community!