Dear Teachers
Thank you for allowing your pupils to be a part of Jongosi. I hope they have a wonderful experience.
To enhance this experience, please take note of the following ideas. Productions are chosen to
educate, in the broader, non-syllabus meaning of the word, and to entertain. Some productions lean
more heavily in one of these directions. It is the aim of Jongosi for pupils to be exposed to both
sides of the coin.
A little bit of pre-preparation in class will result in pupils gaining more from the experience than if
they go in without any knowledge of what to expect. Several schools reported back to me last year
that they found this pre-preparation invaluable. Here are some suggestions for you. Should you
wish to know more about any of these options, please feel free to contact me on
[email protected]. For example, I often have biographies of the actors and directors involved, a
history of the play, access to reviews etc, which could be discussed in advance.
In every case below, you will first read the “blurb” as it will appear in the programme, followed by a
comment from me, in bold, regarding suitability / suggestions for prep work. Productions are listed
alphabetically.
In between performances, we are offering 5 different FREE workshops:
AFDA Workshops
1.
2.
3.
4.
Behind the Camera – Making a Film
Multi camera set-up for TV
Acting: difference between stage and screen
Post production: editing a movie scene
Feathers Mass Dance Experience | Afro Fusion Dance Workshops with Moving Into Dance
Mophatong (MIDM)
The award-winning Moving Into Dance Mophatong will conduct their renowned Afro Fusion dance
workshops. This lively journey towards contemporary dance promises a fun-filled morning that will
take participants’ bodies on a physical journey combining contemporary dance with that of
contemporary African movement and dance. Facilitated by the MIDM Company, the participants will
learn valuable warm-up skills, dance techniques, and a thrilling fusion of African dance styles.
BIG BOYS THE THIRD (absolutely all ages!)
Remember them from 2015??? After a sell-out run at the National Arts Festival, Big Boys The Third
hits Hilton! The hottest new chapter of the ‘Big Boys’ saga is here. It’s wild, it’s unbelievable and it’s
hysterical. Fresh innovative dance routines and larger-than-life action performed by the irresistible,
multi-award winning dudes. Ash and Brad are so flipping fantastic you’ll want to see it twice! Prebooking is absolutely essential. What more can one say…..?!
Comment: I have seen children as young as 7, as well as OAP’s come out of this show with broad
smiles on their faces. It is high energy fun and teaches learners that theatre is about
entertainment, relaxation and being happy. Cast all cares aside and indulge. It’s like ice cream!!!!
BONES OF MEMORY (Grades 6 to 9)
Born in Hammarsdale, Dr Gcina Mhlophe is an author, poet, playwright, director, performer and
storyteller. Influenced by her grandmother’s tales when she was a child, Mhlophe’s written and
performance talent has transported her from South Africa all over the world – literally! She has
received six honorary doctorates for a body of work that has contributed to literature and helped to
preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Along with the likes of Lillian Cingo, Bishop Tutu,
Nadine Gordimer and Tata Mandela she is a SA Icon. Don’t miss this phenomenal story teller in
action. She is a world class act!
Comment: Gcina is literally a world class story teller. Just allow your learners to soak up stories in
the old fashioned way …by listening, not googling. Ideal for all children under 95!
FALLING OFF THE HORN (suitable for all but particularly good for Grades 8 -10)
Winner of a 2016 Standard Bank Ovation Award (NAF), FALLING OFF THE HORN uses a captivating
style of visual theatre that combines mime, masks, dance, and shadow puppetry to tell the moving
story of a young man's flight to South Africa and the extraordinary struggles he must face on arrival:
from dealing with jealous locals, to shady officials, and crooked cops. Inspired by the xenophobic
lootings in Grahamstown in 2015 which left hundreds of foreign people jobless, homeless, or both,
this production grapples with xenophobia in a modern South African context. Both hilarious and
tragic, audiences can expect to laugh a lot, but bring a few tissues just in case.
Comment: In Grahamstown this was a particular favourite of several teachers to whom I spoke.
Once again, a serious and potentially dull subject matter, is brought vividly to life. It is a case of
the old theatrical adage: amuse and entertain in order to convey a serious message. Obviously
knowledge of the xenophobic crisis is essential.
FEATHERS (suitable for Grades 8 – 12)
Celebrating 38 years in the SA dance industry, Moving Into Dance Mophatong proudly presents
FEATHERS.
“A programme showcasing the artistic flair of award-winning choreographers with the prowess of
beautiful movement, expressed by the dancers” says MIDM Artistic Director, Mark Hawkins.
fight, flight, feathers, f***ers, a collaboration between British choreographer Rachel Erdos and
MIDM’s Sunnyboy Motau (Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans 2015) and one of the
top five works at Dance Umbrella 2015.
Road, choreographed by globally recognised, award-winning choreographer, Oscar Buthelezi, the
first South African choreographer to win both the Audience Choice and Jury’s Choice awards at the
Kurt Jooss Competition 2016. He is also one of M & G’s Top 200 Young South Africans 2016.
Bolero, originally created in 1978 by Alfred Hinkel, has been recreated and reinterpreted by Hinkel
for MIDM. “It is purely about the sexiness of the cast,” says Hinkel.
“Truly a privilege to witness, a magnetic tour de force” Robyn Sassen
Comment: this is excellent, easily accessible and very strong, masculine dance. All three pieces
make a clear statement. The dancers are young and the choreographers have made the most of
this fact. It is vibrant! I would suggest that you took time to allow learners to listen/ watch on
Youtube a recording of Ravel’s famous piece of music, Bolero.
FEEDBACK (Grades 10 to 12)
By Andrew Buckland
Feedback is a fantastical murder mystery that, in the peculiar logic of Buckland, becomes a hilarious,
poignant and quirky piece of physical theatre. This satirical comedy cunningly explores topics as
diverse as food-consciousness and globalization, and, in the hands of performers TQ Zondi and Mpilo
Nzimande, becomes an intense action-packed celebration of humanity and our capacity for greed
and altruism.
The actors takes us on a rollercoaster ride as they play many characters in this tale of two brothers, a
detective and a host of flying cheeses, pitting their wits against the villainous Grave Brothers.
First performed by Buckland and Lionel Newton, who won numerous awards for the show, it now
has been given a high energy off-the-wall treatment by these clowns. A Hexagon Theatre production
directed by Peter Mitchell, the team won an Ovation Award in 2015 for Woza Albert! and the top
award at Musho! 2016 for Termite!
Comment: the greed of multi-nationals and the deliberate waste global of food are issues for prediscussion. The style is so zany and faced-paced it appeals hugely to teenagers.
LIFE (Grades 10 to 12)
Life (a rant) is the hit stand-up comedy show from multi-award winning comedian, Rob van Vuuren.
Witness a comedic tour-de-force from one of South Africa`s most well-loved entertainers as he
unpacks the mysteries of life in his own unforgettable and inimitable style. Don’t miss this
opportunity to see van Vuuren tackle all the big questions: Home Affairs, Emojis, Motivational
speakers and trying to get 5 year olds to school on time. Directed by Tara Notcutt.
Join the artist formerly known as Twakkie and the star of SABC 2’s hit show SHOWVILLE as he
explains to you, in no uncertain terms, why life is like the toilet at Home Affairs.
'Side-splitting! Uproariously funny!' - Broadway World. Com
'Van Vuuren at his finest! A riot!' - Cape Times
Comment: this is a chance for current affairs education and the meaning and role of satire and
comedy to highlight serious issues. Look at some Zapiro cartoons, perhaps…
MAKING MANDELA (suitable for all but particularly good for Grades 6 -9)
Written by Nick Warren and Jenine Collocott who also directs, it features Jaques de Silva, Mlindeli
Zondi and Barileng Malebye.
This Naledi and Ovation award winning play is an imaginative journey through the childhood of
Nelson Mandela. Featuring colourful characters, vividly portrayed in beautiful masks, with physical
performances supported by emotive sound design and theatrical styling.
1918 marked the birth of Mandela as well as the Afrikaner Broedebond, the political / spiritual home
of every Prime Minister and State President in South Africa from 1948 to the end of Apartheid in
1994. MAKING MANDELA tells the story of two opposing forces with different upbringings, natures,
backgrounds and intentions developed in parallel and destined to one day confront each other in a
battle for the ultimate freedom of South Africa for all South Africans.
“Soars with clean narrative lines, superb physical theatre, humour and pathos … it will wow the
world.” – Robyn Sassen, The Arts at Large
“An unmitigated delight to watch.” – Christina Kennedy, Business Day.
Comment: when I sat down to watch this I feared it might be trite, patronising and tell a story
we’ve all heard a thousand times. Wrong in every respect! It is a gem of theatre that provides a
telling insight into the childhood of SA’s hero, without in any way glorifying him. A lesson in the
general conditions / laws prevailing in SA in the 20th century would not go amiss.
MASTER HAROLD …AND THE BOYS (Grades 10 – 12)
By Athol Fugard
Port Elizabeth, 1950. In a small tea shop, a rainy afternoon turns into a life changing experience for a
white teenager, as he unwittingly triggers his inevitable passage into the culture of hatred fostered
by apartheid. Hally has grown up in the affectionate company of waiters Sam and Willie, but estering
issues of family, race, and power are not easy to ignore, and a single phone call triggers
catastrophe. The profoundly personal becomes heartbreakingly political.
Athol Fugard’s classic award-winning play of inequality and injustice is once again brought to life in
this new production by the Hexagon Theatre. The remarkable talents of Mpilo Nzimande and TQ
Zondi (WOZA ALBERT!, HORN OF SORROW, THE ISLAND) are brought together with young star,
Jonathan Cohen (SHREK THE MUSICAL, WHITE CHRISTMAS), by veteran director, Peter Mitchell.
Comment: this SA classic is regularly set as a Grade 11 set work in English and is regularly studied
by Drama students. Knowledge of the restrictions and inequalities of the apartheid regime is
required.
PAY BACK THE CURRY (Grades 10 to 12)
This one-person satirical revue, achieved a rare feat at the recent National Arts Festival: it sold out
all of its eight shows on the Fringe! With the script by award winning playwright, Mike van Graan
(whose previous works at the Hilton Arts Festival include BAFANA REPUBLIC, BROTHERS IN BLOOD
and RAINBOW SCARS), Rob van Vuuren directs the young, multi-talented Daniel Richards in this
show that takes on many topical themes which are either the subjects of heated discussion or
studiously avoided in polite conversation: from falling fees, through sparrows on statues to Zupta
zombies!
The Daily Maverick’s critic said of the show “’Curry’ is soooo, soooo funny. And this kid can
act….Daniel Mpilo Richards…one of the most exciting young talents in South Africa”. He has been
described as “an awesome talent”, with “such versatility” and “excellent range” and the production
has been hailed as“satire at its best”, “a clever script” and “brave”.
Well-known comedian, Marc Lottering, tweeted after seeing the show: “Sometimes, you witness
something AMAZING, like this show, and all you can say is YOHHHH!”.
Comment: this is a chance for current affairs education and the meaning and role of satire in life.
Look at some Zapiro cartoons, perhaps…
SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD (best for Grades 11 and 12)
“A joyous hymn to human nature” - New York Times
Following its resounding success in the US, the SA classic SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, produced and
expertly lit by Mannie Manim, directed by John Kani and starring Mncedisi Shabangu and Atwanda
Kani, comes to Hilton.
It is forty years since John Kani and Winston Ntshona won the Best Actor Tony Award for their
performances in the play, which they co-created with Athol Fugard. Kani returns, with his son in the
role which he made famous.
This award-winning theatre classic is about the universal struggle for human dignity: a black man in
apartheid-era SA tries to overcome oppressive work regulations to support his family.
In 1976 Kani and Ntshona were arrested by the Apartheid Secret Police, detained in solitary
confinement for 23 days. They were only released because of massive demonstrations by the arts
fraternity all over the world.
“Winston, Athol and I were like Drs Frankenstein creating a monster that has occupied our lives for
more than four decades. When I was asked to revive this production I was elated. It gave me the
opportunity to work with younger South African actors who not even born when this play was first
staged.” – Dr Kani.
Comment: this is arguably the most famous play ever to come out of SA, now directed by Dr John
Kani, arguably SA’s most famous actor ever and who was in the original production. It is a heartwarming and easy to follow story. Knowledge of the apartheid laws of pass books, job reservation
and the Group Areas Act would be helpful.
TERMITE! TALL TALES FOR BIG PEOPLE (Grades 8 – 10)
by Greig Coetzee
Can there be anything more delightfully wacky than the combination of the high energy
performance style of TQ Zondi and Mpilo Nzimande and Greig Coetzee’s brilliant penmanship?
The delicious and astute Termite! combines physical theatre, satire and lunacy as it blends
traditional folk tales with modern SA life. This fast-paced trilogy tells tales of various animals as
they take on Minicab Taxis, Colonel Sanders and try to explain why dogs sniff each other’s behinds!
This is indeed cutting satire… Fresh from winning the coveted Audience Favourite Award at the
Musho! Festival in Durban and the National Arts Festival, TERMITE performers Zondi and Nzimande
have made a name for themselves nationally as Ovation Award 2015 winners for WOZA ALBERT!, as
well as their moving performances in THE ISLAND. The show is presented by the Hexagon Theatre
and directed by Peter Mitchell.
‘…brilliantly clever, hilariously funny and exquisitely creative’,
‘Performances are quite simply superb’. ArtSmart
Comment: whereas LIFE and PAY BACK THE CURRY use satire and slightly older age appropriate
subject matter, this is satire for a younger audience. Animals tell the story. An excellent intro to
the use of comedy to look at serious matters. Explain satire and watch the news in advance!
YIN’IRESPECT (Grades 6 – 9)
Choreographed by Musa Hlatshwayo
Interactive and fun!! ‘Yin’iRespect?!’ is an educational, multidisciplinary dance driven piece which is
made up of street dance movements, can-dances, chants, physical theatre and story-telling - all
creatively moulded together through a script with scenes that form a participatory theatre piece
about respect. This vibrant, action based and highly physical-musical-dance-theatre piece sees the
performers take the audience on a rhythmic exploration of how tins and crates can be used to make
enchanting dance rhythms, fused with vocal chants and street games, while inviting the audience to
speak out about respect. A perfect learning and entertainment opportunity! Come and be a part of
the show ….
Comment: this piece covers the notion of respect in all environments: the home, school, with
friends, at work. It is therefore pertinent to the lives of all those young people we educate. Talk
about the importance of respect towards others, respect of oneself in class.
I have seen all these productions. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to chat about any
of them.
Regards
Sue Clarence, Festival Director
082 882 9869