Cape Town - A local theatre production used actors with no professional training to entertain local audiences – all for a good cause.
“She’s a Fighter” saw a packed theatre in support of the production at the Artscape on Friday and Saturday, which showcased talent from mostly Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain.
Writer, director and choreographer Tammy Jo Matthews said the show tells the true life story of two women from the Cape Flats, depicting the initial happiness of the families, and follows the breakdown and challenges that follow.
Themes covered in the show include gender-based violence, alcohol and drug abuse, gangsterism and fractured families.
“The First Community Resource Centre has had its third opportunity to showcase the raw talents of the community’s children. We are a cast of 70 youths ranging from the youngest actor of four years old to the oldest at 60,” Matthews said.
The Performing Arts Centre, a department within the First Community Resource Centre, runs a sustainable livelihood programme feeding over 600 people every day, and assists the community with day-to-day activities, youth programmes and job readiness.
“Most of the children are from Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain and have never been at any formal dance studio or gone for dance training. They are just invited to keep them busy and off the streets. Kids are then trained and developed to become dancers and actors of note.
“At the same time awareness is being raised, forcing these children or youths to make better decisions against the odds, exposing them to opportunities and broadening their perspective on life,” Matthews said.
Funds from the two shows and DVD sales will go towards the All 4 One Child initiative, which works with orphans and vulnerable children, and aims to prevent family breakdown.
“This specific production’s funds will be used towards the furniture of the house we’ve recently bought to have children live in for emergency transition cases, while we find a suitable family with whom children will be placed,” Matthews said.
Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said: “We avail the theatre to the established arts companies and genres, as well as to historically disadvantaged arts organisations.
“It is our ethos that our stages, limited office space and rehearsal venues must be accessible for all including arts organisations. Its structural inclusivity extends to persons with disabilities.”
To buy the DVD, contact Albert Matthews on 074 889 9056 or email Matthews on [email protected] or call 074 603 9563.