Children of the Soul theatre production thrill audience in Soweto

Melisizwe Community Theatre (MCT) has launched the Children of the Soul theatre production tour in Soweto.

This is in a bid to highlight and reflect on social ills that affect many communities across South Africa.

The play was written and directed by a legendary actor, Darlington Michaels popular known for his role as Georgie ‘Papa G’ Zamdela in the SABC3’s Isidingo.

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Michaels is the founder and managing director of MCT, he wrote the play almost a decade ago but it remains relevant because it tackles persistent issues.

Children of the Soul depicts real-life scenarios that play out in many communities, especially in townships where people abandon their children by throwing them away to evade the responsibility of raising them.

The show does not only address these vital issues but also offers an entertaining musical performance that enhances the message through harmonies and melodies.

Michaels said this was still a serious challenge and through this play, he hopes to raise awareness and share information.

“We are trying to make our people aware about the situation and teach them that there are orphanage homes  where they can take the children once they realise that they cannot raise them,” said Michaels.

In the opening set, viewers can see a group of children who live at an orphanage with a caretaker who ensures that these youngsters attend school and encourages them to follow their dreams.

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He said he began with the research for the storyline when he was touring Western Cape and other provinces within the country.

“I started talking to homeless children to get their stories but it was not easy because they do not allow you to easily talk to them if they do not know you.

“They probably thought I was going to take them back home, they do not want to go back home, remember they ran away from home for different reasons.”

Michaels discovered his talent while he was at Gibson Kente Theatre Production as a youngster years ago, before becoming a television seasoned actor.

He said part of his work is to impart the lesson and develop young and upcoming actors and actresses.
Xoli Noah, project manager at MCT said the play will have a school tour around Soweto, however, the schools are yet to be identified.

It will also be performed for local residents at various community halls across Soweto.

For more information contact Noah on 082 718 1096.

Children of the Soul theatre production tour will visit;
*Meadowlands Zone 10 Hall on July 6.
*Bapedi Hall at Zone 3 Meadowlands on July 13.
*DCC Hall at Orlando East on July 27.
*Uncle Tom Hall at Orlando on August 10.