The 2015 Sibikwa Storytelling Festival takes place from March 18 to 21 at the Sibikwa Arts Centre, 3 Liverpool Road, Benoni.
It starts with a medley of African stories presented by Nonhlanhla Hadebe for preschoolers and Grades One to Three learners, followed by Mosoeu Ketlele catering to Grades Four to Seven at 10am.
At 11am, Clowns without Borders South Africa presents Siyajabula for younger audiences.
Internationally acclaimed storyteller and author, Gcina Mhlophe, will share a selection of her stories for Grades Four to Seven.
“A teachers’ workshop conducted by Gcina will focus on how to delve into our own personal journeys, using the book of our lives as a guide to create stories,” says artistic director of Sibikwa, Phyllis Klotz.
On March 19 at 10am, Nonhlanhla will present a medley of African stories such as Spider the Drummer and Rabbit on the Moon, and a performance of Siyajabula.
At 11am, Mpho Molikeng will tell more stories and Pops Mohamed will present musical San stories.
Phyllis says another teacher’s workshop entitled ‘Storytelling – Tapping the Power of Narrative’ will be presented by Clowns without Borders and it will cover techniques on how to tell stories, how to create stories and the value of storytelling in the classroom.
At 10am, on March 20 it will be Masondo’s Eenie Meanie Greenie GROW and Pops’ musical San stories.
At 11am, Mpho will tell traditional stories from Lesotho followed by a performance by Sibo Masondo aka Mime le Mot called Point Blank.
Phyllis says a collection of mimed stories infused with South African influences will be followed by Mime le Mot.
World Storytelling Day is on March 21 and a storytelling competition is open to anyone over the age of 15 who is able to tell a good story.
Pre-booking is essential.
Stories can be told in any of the official language and should not be longer than 10 minutes.
The first prize is R3 000, second R1 500 and third R750, with a prize of R500 awarded to the most promising storyteller.
Refreshments will be on sale during lunch breaks.
Entry fees are R25 for the whole morning, R25 per workshop and R10 to enter the competition.
To book contact Michael Mabena on 011 422 4359 or email michael@sibikwa.co.za.
