High quality family theatre at National Arts Festival

The productions at the ASSITEJ Family Venue for 2012 are a stimulating and varied mix, designed to enchant and entertain audiences, while also inspiring local theatre-makers to the unlimited potential of theatre for young audiences. This year's programme boasts productions by some of the most esteemed theatre-makers for young audiences from across the country.

From Cape Town, comes Theatre for Africa under the helm of Nicholas Ellenbogen, bringing two productions, the cult comedy show "Raiders", which has for some 22 years been a staple of family entertainment at the festival, as well as a new piece called "Of Birds and Beasts", a beautiful selection of stories, directed by Pieter Bosch Botha. Ubom! - Grahamstown's favourite resident family company - now under artistic direction from Rob Murray of FTH:K' brings "Eco-Wolf and the Three Pigs", which is a delicious twist on the well-known fairytale, with an underlying environmental message.

Dancing and acting involve all ages

From KZN, theatre stalwart Garth Anderson brings the classic "Tales from the Brother Grimm", starring well-known Durban actress Robyn Hailey Wells. From Johannesburg, comes Adlib Musical Productions' "Pitterpat the Crazee Caterpillar", an amazing musical journey using an ingenious combination of screen, stage and sound. The perfectly pitched stage combination of Lynn Joffee and Adam Howard bring this piece to life through the power of music and the imagination. Anex Theatre Productions' "Global Ball Game" has successfully performed in the Western Cape, and uses singing, dancing and acting to involve every age in its important subject matter.

"Kitchen Fables in a Cookie Jar" is an intriguing and delightfully captivating theatre experience for all the senses from Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award winner 2011, Jori Snell and her Cape Town-based company Baba Yaga Theatre. This Danish performer brings an artful mix of physical storytelling, dreamy landscapes, and imaginative visuals to the stage. Finally, OddBody Theatre presents "Hats", the sold-out hit of the 2010 festival, which has played to full houses and standing ovations since it was first created in 2009.

The venue will provide not only high-quality entertainment inside the theatre, but also interactive artistic experiences, art exhibitions, workshops for families to engage in together, and delicious food to be enjoyed on its delightfully situated front verandah. The venue - Oatlands in Grahamstown - is conveniently situated on African street, with additional access from Luke Street, and is just up Douglas Lane from the Fiddler's Hub.