Taxi association rescues theatre festival
ALEXANDRA - Youth theatre was boosted last week through a partnership of Olivetree Theatre and a taxi association.
Youth theatre was boosted recently through a partnership between Olivetree Theatre and a taxi association.
The Alexandra Midrand Sandton Taxi Association (Amsta) came to the rescue of the theatre’s festival through a grant and transport for children taking part in the first-ever youth theatre festival for high school students.
Also, the festival was the first competition by Olivetree Theatre for youths to showcase their acting skills and impress judges who dished out prizes in a bid to nurture and hone the immense, raw talent.
Amsta representative Tello Selepe made a personal donation of R250, arranged transport to the theatre and back for the children from Realogile, Eastbank, Pholosho, Alex and KwaBkekilanga high schools and popped by to enjoy the entertainment.
He said it was a parental responsibility to contribute to nurturing children with talent, considering that historically they have been excluded from such opportunities due to a lack of facilities, finances and other resources which blighted their chances of showcasing their talent.
“The contribution is part of ploughing back to the community which sustains our taxi business through fares which they can easily withdraw if they aren’t satisfied with our services and presence among them, ” he said.
Selepe said in appreciation of the community’s support, the association was also considering other forms of support for children, such as bursaries to help those with potential to attain their educational aspirations.
“This will be in addition to the support we already provide on request from counsellors for burials of indigent members of the community and the support of other events,” he said.
Project manager at the theatre, Joy Moyo commended the association for its support, saying they helped rescue the situation which many failed to do, despite committing themselves. She said the industry needed to be judged on the good they did through such a contribution.
She also commended Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training for supporting the students and encouraging them to include key social challenges in their plays such as gender-based violence.
Details: Olivetree Theatre: 073 591 9565.
