Olivetree theatre ignites the arts in schools

The Olivetree Theatre is contributing practically to the teaching and learning of art and culture at local schools.

This is through a secondary schools programme conducted by its artists for creative-minded children. The programme is run at all five local schools for seven weeks and involves creative plays selected by the children. The programme will culminate in a schools festival at the end of the school term where awards will be given for best production, script producer, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, and for the best cameo role.

The theatre’s director Ntsieng Mokgoro said a school from Zimbabwe would be a guest participant. The overall local winning school will receive a floating trophy and also visit Zimbabwe to display its talent.

“The objective is to provide practical inputs to help enrich the schools’ art and culture curriculums, help in learning and teaching of the subject, and expose creative children to the potential of arts and culture as a future profession,” said Mokgoro.

She added that the programme would also encourage children to concentrate on all academic subjects, rather than drop out to pursue an arts career without matric qualifications.

The programme is also augmented by the theatre’s weekend dance and drama, and fortnightly sessions of film screenings where pupils engage with professionals through question and answer sessions.

The theatre also collaborates with the Department of Arts and Culture to create a platform to resuscitate Alex’s past history of being a leader in all forms of arts in Johannesburg.

Details: Olivetree Theatre 073 591 9567, www.olivetreetheatre.wix.com