Four new community theatre groups took part of the third consecutive Hello
Community Arts Development Programme and Festival held this year at TUT’s
Breytenbach Theatre in Tshwane.
The festival was the brainchild of Hardus Koekemoer, Lighting Lecturer at the TUT’s
Department of Entertainment, who then developed the idea with Wandile Mgcodo,
Technical Head at the Breytenbach Theatre. “We have had great support from our
working committee, including the Entertainment of Technology Department and our
partners, DWR Distribution and the City of Tshwane,’ commented Mgcodo. “The
initial concept was to create a forum where our students could interact with outside
practitioners and which therefore creates a bigger room for learning.’
This year the festival saw an increase in terms of productions where four new
community theatre groups participated. “The attendance was great,’ he said. “Some
of the productions that showcased included Tselane and the Giant; Crying over Spilt
Milk; Mmatswale; The Diary; Walkout; Our Dogs our Heroes; Minister Deputy and
President; The Brief Case and A gift from the Mines. Winning groups from the Hello
Festival 2015 came together for the production Shango, a musical drama that
depicts the story of the current land and reform problems and the intricacies of
South African people searching for their spiritual wealth, bound to their land.
It’s important for The Hello Community to continue to grow and gain momentum.
“This year we had a few logistical hurdles, but we managed to present a great
program,’ added Mgcodo. “2017’s will be an even better festival, and we are also
looking at extending the project to Ga-Rankuwa, which means we would have
spread to three regions in the City of Tshwane attracting more community theatre
artists. This year’s festival was solely sponsored by DWR, our initial partner, which
allowed us to give room to all the passionate community theatre artists in the City
of Tshwane.’
