The National Children’s Theatre educates while entertaining children
Taskeen Wadee hopes her book and play about preventing poaching will have an impact on the youth.
The National Children’s Theatre’s latest play tackles rhino poaching through its latest production Hope the Rhino.
The play is based on the book The Horn of Africa: Together, There Is Hope written by 17-year-old Taskeen Wade.
Theatre director Ntambo Rapatla said their mandate included educating children while entertaining them at the same time.
“National Children’s Theatre is the foremost children’s theatre in Gauteng, shining the bright light of educational, engaging and award-winning theatre for children and youth throughout South African cities and rural areas.
“Hope, the rhino calf, is off exploring with his mother when they are suddenly attacked by poachers. Twelve-year-old author Taskeen uses her imagination to describe the rhino’s journey through the harsh environment all the while remaining hopeful.”
Taskeen said the decline in rhinos in the Kruger National Park had inspired her to write her book.
“My family and I visit the park every year and in 2018 I noticed the number of rhinos kept declining. As a 12-year-old then, I thought writing a book would create awareness about the problem. Since I did not have the financial means, I decided to write a book and publish it and the money made would be donated to rhino conservation.”
An audience member Palesa Moropa said she enjoyed the educational play.
“The National Children’s Theatre always finds exciting ways to put out educational messages and I enjoyed the production,” said Palesa.
Rapatla added Hope the Rhino would also be staged at local schools in the area.
