HELLO Community Arts Festival recently presented “Shango’, a script concept
developed by Tintswalo Millicent Mashele and Hardus Koekemoer and directed by
Tintswalo Millicent Mashele, which took place at the Breytenbach Theatre in
Pretoria.
This production was a taste of what’s to come during the HELLO Community Arts
Festival, taking place later this year.
The story portrayed current land reform problems, told through the modern day
story teller, and parodied with the actions portraying the history of a tribe in search
of land.
The performers in the new musical production “Shango’ consisted of actors who
won best production in the HELLO Community Theatre Awards 2015.
This production was directed by Tintswalo Millicent Mashele, and musical direction
was handled by Patrick Mabona. Choreography and the physical theatre sequences
were devised by the cast and director. Life size elephants, buffalo and ostrich
puppets also joined the action on stage.
This festival is an initiative of the Breytenbach Theatre in Tshwane, 93.6 Shwane FM
and DWR Distribution.
Hello Theatre Festival harnesses the power of the arts as a powerful tool to
contribute to democracy, human rights and development of South African
communities. It is a festival by the community, for the community.
This project seeks to put the arts at the centre of development of communities, as a
sector that adds immense value to people’s lives and contributes to their
livelihoods.
The project is facilitated by a team of seasoned working committee members
supported by lecturers in the Department, creative industries experts which some
serve as advisors to the HELLO – Community Arts Development Programme and
Festival and the Department’s 3rd year Lighting, Sound, Stage Technology and
Stage Management students through interactive sessions, workshops and master
classes.
Wandile Mgcodo, Technical Production Manager at the Breytenbach Theatre and
Project Manager of HELLO, is very passionate about the festival.
“This is our way to provide a space for talented and passionate theatre individuals
to grow and learn how the theatre works, on and off stage,’ he said.
Hardus Koekemoer, Development Manager of HELLO, added that the support of
private individuals and companies are always appreciated for this festival.
“This production was a way for us to get people to see what we are doing with
HELLO, as it is vital to our success that individuals and companies support us,’ he
said. “Our budget only allows for so much and we want to show people how this
festival enhances the lives of the people we touch.’
For more information about the festival contact Wandile Mgcodo at 012 382-2564 or
MgcodoWT@tut.ac.za.
