Five years ago saw the birth of the dynamic member-driven association of theatre for children and young people, ASSITEJ SA, at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This year, the organisation makes a significant mark on the festival, bringing ten high quality productions, workshops and other exciting activities to the festival.
With some shows already sold-out, families visiting the ASSITEJ Family Venue will enjoy stimulating, enriching and diverse theatre experiences from some of the most esteemed theatre-makers for young audiences, including Nicholas Ellenbogen, Jori Snell, Rob Murray, Garth Anderson and Lynne Joffe.
The venue, Oatlands Preparatory, is conveniently situated on African Street, with additional access from Luke Street, and just up Douglas Lane from the Fiddler's Hub.
Making theatre part of family
"The ASSITEJ Family Venue is about making theatre part of every family's growing up and growing together. The venue provides not only high quality entertainment inside the theatre, but also interactive artistic experiences, workshops for the whole family and fun outside," says Yvette Hardie, director of ASSITEJ SA and current president of ASSITEJ International.
ASSITEJ SA showcases work by emerging theatre-makers as part of the "Inspiring a Generation" project, a writing development and international collaboration project. ASSITEJ SA mentors these theatre-makers in creating theatre for young audiences over a one-year period.
Through AwareNet and the Village Scribe Association, you can leave your opinions and feedback in a sociable, collaborative and child-friendly space. They will unveil a new social creativity booster to enhance children's experience at the venue, together with playDUcation. Access the platform from your mobile device or provided laptops.
ASSITEJ SA Family Venue productions include Pitterpat the Crazee caterpillar; Vinnie from Zok; VELD (SPOOR); Tales from the Brothers Grimm; Global Ballgame; Of Birds and Beasts; Kitchen Fables in a Cookie Jar; Eco-Wolf and the Three Pigs; 2012: Mayan Raiders; and Hats.
