Theatre organisation appeals for support
JOBURG - Theatre organisation Afro Beat and sister company Dark City have not been discouraged by the lack of resources to assist keep children off the streets and bad influence.
Theatre organisation Afro Beat and sister company Dark City have not been discouraged by lack of resources and keep on mentoring children in the arts.
The two organisations are the the brainchild of artist Simon Letswela who said his calling was to help others.
“Its my obligation to pay back using the little I have to pass on art talent to the young and impressionable generation, who are easily misdirected to drugs, truancy from school, under age sex and teenage pregnancy,” he said.
Letswala added that Afro Beat worked with seven to 25 year olds in dance, music, poetry and drumming. Dark City supports 18 to 35 year olds to take responsibility, and to assume their independence by utilising their art talents through gumboot dancing, music and drumming. These arts enable students to get paid performances at corporate gigs, theatre events and road shows.
“Some of them are my unemployed friends who I help to spend their time positively,” said Letswala. His organisations also partner with Moving into Dance – Moipatong, a dance institution to improve the children’s dance skills. One of his students qualified at this institution and is now teaching choreography.
Some students attend Saturday dance clubs at Olivetree Theatre, but many parents cannot afford the nominal fee to send their children to this activity. Letswela therefore appeals for sponsorship from the business community and individuals to support Alex’s future artists to attend these weekend classes.
Details: Simon Letswela; 071 636 6939
