Arts Writer
SOUTH AFRICA is approaching the eve of the 40 year commemoration of the 1976 Soweto uprising, when youth paved the way with their political action that changed the scope of education with their action against the response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools.
Jazzart Dance Theatre values the importance of continued youth empowerment, and its trainees season production, Time, stands to showcase what its students have achieved.
This year marks the sixth intake of the training programme which is designed to celebrate the strength of the youth, with the youth and for the youth.
Time will be staged in the Artscape Arena from December 10 to 12 at 7.30pm, with an extra show on December 12 at 3pm.
The production features all 17 trainees who joined the programme in July this year.
From the Western Cape are Ambia Andrews, Darion Adams, Gabriella Dirkse, Ilze Williams, Jeena Rodkin, Paxton Simons, Shane Rudolph, Tanzley Jooste and Vuyolwethu Nompetsheni.
Time also features Luyanda Mdingi from Stellenbosch, Shane van Wyngaardt from Paarl, Keenun Wales from Worcester, Abdul-Aaghier Isaacs from Wellington, Lynette du Plessis from George and Mandisi Ngcwayi, Sanga Mabula and Thandiwe Mqokeli from the Eastern Cape.
The show brings together a medley of well-known choreographers. “Jazzart is about exposing our trainees to a diversity of teachers, choreographers and dance styles so they can learn to move easily from popular to traditional dance and find African contemporary movements in music, in art and everyday life,” says Sifiso Kweyama, Jazz Art Dance Theatre’s artistic director.
“It’s the right time for choreographers to collaborate so that we can work together to empower our youth in the arts. We want our trainees to understand where they come from and how they got their freedom, so that they do not take their freedom for granted.”
Over its 41-year history, Jazzart has focussed on challenging the dance status quo and social stereotypes through training, performance and inter-disciplinary collaborations with diverse role-players to develop multi-skilled performers and create works that promote excellence, innovation and social change.
l Tickets: R50, or R30 for block bookings, 0861 915 8000