Diepsloot kids go behind the scenes at SA Tattoo
SunCares Arts Academy students from Diepsloot had a surprise-filled day when they attended the dress rehearsal of the South African Tattoo at Montecasino.
The academy was started earlier this year at 12 schools around Gauteng and uses art forms like dance, singing and acting to exact change in the lives of underprivileged children.
Project manager of SunCares Arts Academy Sunet Wagner said, “In order to be part of the academy children have to audition, but during the programme they also have to prove their commitment. This teaches them life skills and values.”
The children’s special day started with a surprise lunch at Montexo Spur where they were met by Miss Earth 2013, Ashanti Mbanga and Miss Earth runner-up, Erin Roche.
They were then ushered into Montecasino’s outdoor events area for a sneak peek at what goes on backstage at the South African Tattoo event.
Tsogo Sun’s group corporate social investment manager Shanda Paine said, “Coming to the SA Tattoo will show these kids a different world outside Diepsloot. They get to see what goes into a production and interact with the performers. This opens the world of performance up to them. Most of the kids don’t even know what the SA Tattoo is so this will be a big surprise for them.”
The children interacted with the SA Tattoo performers and witnessed all the preparation that went on behind the scenes before the start of the show.
They were a little unsure of what they were about to see but by the time the first act was done they were clapping enthusiastically and even dancing to some of the numbers.
Just Jinjer gave a moving performance at the end of the show that reduced many of children to tears.
SunCares Arts Academy student Bongi Buthelezi was particularly impressed with the Code Red Drum Corps. “Wow! This was such a good show. I wish I could join them and be a performer in the South African Tattoo someday,” said Buthelezi.
