Alex children showcase their artistic talent

Alex children and youths had much to cheer about on 17 September when they hosted the Gauteng Organisation of Community Arts and Culture Centre (Gomacc) Central Region’s weekend theatre and cultural event.

The Alex leg of the event – already held in other regions of Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, Tswane and the West Rand – was attended by 350 groups and individual performers who pitted their talent in drama, storytelling and poetry under the theme, Alex’s Spoken Words.

The occasion exposed the immense talent of participants, which ought to be nurtured to help them become professionals and attain fulfillment in life through performances for tourists, corporate functions and on major local and international stages.

The provincial chairperson of Gomacc, Jerry Mabuza said the event helped preserve the country’s heritage for its present and future benefit. “Art and theatre are what children love. They only need platforms and mentoring to help them excel and in the process sustain our culture and heritage in traditional and modern dance, singing and choirs and in other theatrical genres,” he said.

The performers, he said, were supported through formal training and mentoring in line with the National Qualification Framework beginning at primary schools, through to colleges and universities. “This support grounds them to be future professional performers and directors, facilitators, administrators and project managers,” Mabuza said.

The event overseer, Sifiso Mkhwananzi commended the participants for showcasing their talent which, he said, could have remained hidden. “We prepared them through workshops which polished their ideas and presentations,” he said.

“In each category, the first-prize winners walked away with R2 000 in cash, the first and second runners-up with R1 000 and R700 respectively. They will also be entered into a contest at the Soweto Theatre in February next year.”

Meanwhile, the winners will be supported by experienced artists at fortnightly workshops, called Artists Stokvels, to improve their acting skills.

Read: Rosebank company donates stationery to Alex school

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