Zimiseleni members learn artistic skills from Nrityarupa Dance Group
National Art Council and Govan Mbeki Municipality empower disadvantaged performers.
SECUNDA – Members of the Zimiseleni Projects said they have learned technical and artistic skills when they attended the India Festival to watch the Nrityarupa Dance Group in the Johannes Stegmann Theatre on 26 July.
This was part of the National Art Council’s skills transfer programme that is done in partnership with the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The festival formed part of the 20 years of freedom and democracy celebrations and the 100 years since the return of Indian icon Mr Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to his native land on 18 July 1914.
Mr Peter Selepe, programme convener, said they learned about live performance, acting on stage, the basic rules of acting, stage blocking and management and how to communicate with the audience.
“I wish we could have such performances once a month so that we can get used to the theatre environment.
“I was pleased with my members who understood the manner and structure of the musical.”
Poppy Msibi, a member, said it was the first time that she had watched a professional play.
“The skills programme is helpful to children, because it keeps them from doing wrong things.”
The members thanked Ms Thokozile Zulu and Mr Zola Gqawa, officials from the Department of Community Services at the Govan Mbeki Municipality, for giving them the opportunity to attend the festival.
