Bryanston Primary youngsters give moving performance
BRYANSTON – On 18 October the foundation phase from Bryanston Primary School put on an inspiring performance of their play Yi Thi Laba ('this is us').
Youngsters from Bryanston donned their African-inspired costumes to put on their very own special school performance at a local theatre.
On 18 October The Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia was transformed by over 360 foundation phase learners from Bryanston Primary School into a wondrous world of African folklore and magic. The title for the production was Yi Thi Laba, a Zulu phrase meaning “This is Us”. The patrons were taken on a journey into the special tales of Africa brought to life through enriching music, dance, song and story-telling by an inspiring ensemble of young talent. These African tales are rooted in natural elements and the animal kingdom which make them timeless. Who wouldn’t wonder how different animals came to look the way they do today?
Some of the favourite stories played out were of: how the elephant got its trunk, why the pangolin has scales, why the cheeks of cheetah are stained with tears, how the serval got it spots, and the zebras its stripes, the kudu’s wonderful horns, when hippos were hairy and why the warthog goes on his knees.
Every act had the audience captivated – thanks to the special talents of the production’s writer, producer and director Natasha Hart.
“Tonight, my African dream came true. I toiled with a couple of different ideas but this was the one that stood out because it is so close to my heart,” she said. “As the story unfolded with each tap of the keys on my laptop a wonderful opportunity was being created that would touch the children and could be shared with their families. I felt that I needed to express the beautiful story telling from this exquisite continent that we have chosen as home.”
She added that she was very proud of the children’s performance of her work.
“Over the last few months, watching simple written words come to life has been such a special experience and a privilege. Each child that performed on stage is extremely special and unique and my true motivation for the production. They put their hearts and souls into this and I am exceptionally proud and thankful for their enthusiasm.”
It’s great to sometimes be reminded of the magic stored in the wisdom of African folklore: that focuses on the necessity to communicate, the need for generosity, the value of co-operation between people and the importance of values in a community.
The Bryanston Primary production certainly did bring people together and strengthened bonds in our community while teaching the children, in an experiential way, the virtues of African folk tales while reflecting on the realities of our diverse landscapes.
“This production has such a powerful message for all of us. It expresses the notion that we are all different, come from diverse places and backgrounds, but at this moment, we are all one, together – Yi Thi Laba,” said the acting principal of Bryanston Primary, Morne.
“This was a true Bryanston Primary School Ubuntu production, thank you to all the teachers, staff and parents for their unwavering support and a special commendation to Miss Hart for turning her vision into a spectacular show we can all be proud of.”
Details: www.bryanstonprimary.co.za
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