The Jungle Theatre Company (JTC) will present their exciting African Folktales Festival at The Drama Factory in Strand from today to Sunday (29 May).
When Lion Had Wings and River of Life will be performed as part of the festival, which is most suitable for children aged nine to 13 years.
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 storytellers continuously link the story to the language, culture and history of the Khoi.
River of Life 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 shows (30 minutes each) are preceded by storytelling (15 minutes) and followed by a post-show interactive workshop (30 minutes) where children get to imagine and act out the characters and environments of the show through creative expression.
The programme is funded by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Programme in celebration of Africa Month, which is themed “The year of building resilience in nutrition on the African continent: Accelerate the human capital, social and economic development”.
Shows will be staged on Friday at 15:00 (When Lion Had Wings only); Saturday at 12:30 (both plays); and Sunday at 14:30 (both shows). Bookings can be made sending an email to info@jungletheatre.co.za or a WhatsApp message to 072 908 5160.
Other shows on this weekend include:
– Athol Fugard’s acclaimed play Blood Knot at The Baxter today and tomorrow (Saturday 28 May). The timeless classic tackles themes of brotherhood and hope, and first premiered in 1961 but is as relevant today. Blood Knot runs at The Baxter Golden Arrow Studio at 19:30 daily, with Saturday matinees at 14:30. The play carries is an age restriction of 14 years. Book your place through Webtickets at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores.
– Live entertainment by Alistair Izobell at the Koe’sister Food, Lifestyle and Stories Expo and Market held at GrandWest Sun Exhibits on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00. Visitors can also look forward to listening to storytelling and watching food demonstrations with local up-coming chefs and “food fairies” Surita Riffel, Errieda du Toit, and Fahiem Stellenboom, and so much more. Entry costs R75 for adults; children enter at no cost. All tickets can be purchased from Quicket.
– Slapstick, the Zip Zap Circus’ brand-new show, at the Zip Zap Dome in the Cape Town on Saturday and Sunday. A traditional circus show with a 1930s twist whacked with layers of comedy, Slapstick will nostalgically transport the entire family back to the times of swing, gypsy jazz, The Three Stooges and Charlie Chaplin. Shows will be held at 12:00 and 16:00 on both days.
