A moving new theatre production for young audiences, Dimpho and the Catfish, will premiere at this year’s Vrystaat Arts Festival. The festival will this year take place from 15 to 19 July on the University of the Free State’s (UFS) main campus in Bloemfontein.
The family-friendly drama is a blend of performance, music and storytelling that speaks directly to the challenges of growing up in a digital world. At the heart of the story is Dimpho, a young girl thrilled to receive her first smartphone from her mother, Madimpho. What begins as a moment of joy quickly unravels when Dimpho connects with a stranger online.
The story unfolds into a powerful tale of courage, trust, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. The production explores themes of technology, safety and love in a way that resonates with both children and adults. GBV activist set to inspire
It was written and directed by Jane Mpholo-Mehlape, a Free State-bred actor and activist against gender-based violence (GBV). The plight of children suffering in silence inspired her to pen the educational theatre production.
“There are so many cases in South Africa where young people are bullied, go missing or are harmed after meeting strangers online. We keep warning each other about the dangers of social media, but we often forget to include children in those conversations,” she said.
Dimpho and the Catfish is intended for audience members as young as ten years old, but is also suitable for teenagers. It has been written to be interactive, filled with humor, and packed with meaningful moments. The production offers a safe and welcoming space for open dialogue between generations.
“This is about what every child should know about the digital world – told through the power of theatre,” believes Mpholo-Mehlape.
The production will be performed in the Kunstetrust Rep Theatre on the following dates:
■ 16 July at 10:00.
■ 17 July at 13:00.
■ 18 July at 11:00.
■ 19 July at 13:00.
Buy tickets on webtickets.co.za.
