Preview: African Folktales Festival 2022 at the Drama Factory–When Lion Had Wings & River of Life– exciting programme – performances for public and schools

African Folktales Festival 2022 at the Drama Factory: When Lion Had Wings & River of Life  

When: May 27, 28 and 29 -open to the public. The shows on June 13, 14 and 15 are for schools only

Venue details: 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand
Bookings: Book directly – for public and schools shows – with Jungle Theatre – e-mail info@jungletheatre.co.za or WhatsApp 072 908 5160  
Public shows- performance times:  

Fri May 27 – 3 – 5pm – When Lion Had Wings at R15 per ticket or R20 per ticket – if going for transport option
Sat May 28 & Sun May 29. Two shows are on: When Lion Had Wings – 12.30pm – 2.30pm and then River of Life is on 2.30pm – 4.30pm Cost R30 per ticket or R35 per ticket if going for transport option    

Duration: Both shows (30 min each) are preceded by storytelling (15 min) and followed by a post-show interactive workshop (30 min) where the children get to imagine and act out the characters and environments of the show through creative expression.  
Age advisory: The programme is most suitable for children aged 9 – 13 years

Transport: Please note that transport is capped at 1x 60-seater bus. The capacity of the theatre is 80 seats. Snacks will be served for the full day programme on Saturday and Sunday.

Info on school performances: e-mail Miranda info@jungletheatre.co.za or Joce artist1@jungletheatre.co.za  or WhatsApp 072 908 5160  
Info about the African Folktales Festival is on The Drama Factory website: https://www.thedramafactory.co.za/ but please note that booking is via Jungle Theatre    

Jungle Theatre Company (JTC) is presenting the African Folktales Festival at the Drama Factory, 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park in Strand. The programme is funded by the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture (DSAC) by its Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Programme in celebration of Africa month under the theme: “The year of building resilience in nutrition on the African continent: Accelerate the human capital, social and economic development.” Read about this visionary Children’s Theatre Company, by clicking further down on the link, interview with its founder and artistic director, Vincent Meyburgh.

Sponsored tickets – with low cost transport options- how it works

Jungle Theatre has been reaching out to drama groups and organisations, working with children and has been offering group bookings, with transport included. Jungle has organised small transport groups of 15 and larger groups – capped at 60. For the general public, making its own way on Friday May 27, that is cool and it will cost you R15 a ticket – per adult and per child. The show that day is When Lion Had Wings. See box for performance times. Then on the Saturday and Sunday- ie May 28 and 29 – there is a double bill – with both shows – When Lion Had Wings and River of Life. Tickets are R30 – and that is for both shows. That is if you have your own transport, you will pay R30 to attend both shows. If are going with the transport option (according to availability), then it will be R35 a ticket – and yes that includes both shows AND transport. Bravo to Jungle Theatre and its funders and sponsors for bringing the African Folktales Festival 2022 to the Drama Factory, for making the tickets available at reasonable prices and for providing low-cost transport to enable organisations to get children to the theatre. The amount of work and effort in making this festival happen is awe inspiring.

African Folktales Festival 2022 at the Drama Factory- When Lion Had Wings & River Of Life

Both shows (30 min each) are preceded by storytelling (15 min) and followed by a post-show interactive workshop (30 min) where the children get to imagine and act out the characters and environments of the show through creative expression. The programme is most suitable for children aged 9 – 13 years. Please note that transport is capped at 1x 60-seater bus. The capacity of the theatre is 80 seats. Snacks will be served for the full day programme on Saturday and Sunday.

When Lion Had Wings

This traditional Khoikhoi folktale is told by three very different characters in Afrikaans, English, and Nama (Khoikhoi language). One character links the story to historical facts; another plays the story’s characters and a third talks about how the story is relevant today. By making use of masks and music the characters tell the story of a flying lion who is bullying all the animals and has made vultures his slaves. They portray hilarious frogs who lead the animals to discover their own talents and to stand up to the bully. The story reveals insights into the behaviour of humans and wild animals. The story tellers continuously link the story to the language, the culture, and the history of the Khoikhoi.

River Of Life

This is an African fairy tale about a rural tribe and a special princess, who live by a beautiful river full of magical creatures. A glittering dancing trader comes from the city to sell the villagers strange items that cause problems for the river. The princess finds the courage to travel a path alone. She faces a hot dry desert, a teaming jungle and climbs the tallest mountain, all to save the life of the river and her village.

Bookings

To make your bookings, please e-mail Miranda info@jungletheatre.co.za or Joce artist1@jungletheatre.co.za  or WhatsApp 072 908 5160. Please note that bookings are made on a first come, first serve basis. All Covid protocols will be observed.

River of Life: Jungle Theatre’s River of Life – featuring- Zizipho Gcasamba, Noxolo Magadla, Mario Matiya, Siywandisa Badi. The show directed by Mfundo Hashe Pic: Maryatta Wegerif Photography.

✳Sponsored content. Featured image: When Lion Had Wings: Cast- Noxolo Magadla, Gershan Lombard and Naledi Tlailane. Show directed by Joce Engelbrecht. Photo redit Maryatta Wegerif Photography. Images supplied. Related coverage on TheCapeRobyn:https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-cape-towns-jungle-theatre-company-inspiring-young-people-to-create-theatre/