The World Day for Theatre for Children and Young People (20 March) is celebrated annually by ASSITEJ members in more than 90 countries. To honour this day, we work to unite theatres across the world in conveying one message: "Take a child to the theatre today".
In South Africa the campaign aims to engage with the theatre community, government departments, the private sector, and the general public to advocate for the value of theatre in the lives of children and young people.
The 2014 campaign coincides with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that every child has the right to participate freely in cultural life and the arts, with the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic and recreational activity.
The Joburg City Theatres will once again participate in the World Day for Theatre for Children and Youth. All three theatres will be running various events to achieve the goal of the day and convey the message "Take a child to the theatre today". It is exciting that this year's event coincides with the UN convention on Rights of the Child and in South Africa it coincides with the Human Rights Day (21 March).
The Joburg Theatre has adopted three schools: Ivory Park Secondary, Zechariah Park, and Nkholi Primary Schools. Young professionals have been allocated to the schools in order to prepare each school for their showcase on the space.com stage at Joburg Theatre. After the showcase, the learners will watch a professional production on the Mandela stage at the Joburg Theatre. One thousand children are expected to attend.
The Soweto Theatre will stage the production Nothing But The Truth. About 800 learners are expected to watch the play, which is part of their English prescribed plays set by the Department of Education. The learners will also receive a facilitated tour of the theatre. This is to educate the learners about the technical and administrative aspects of the theatre.
The Roodeport Theatre will be hosting the National Eisteddfod Academy. This event sees children and youths between the ages of five and 18 come together to perform and watch shows on the theatre's main stage. And estimated 3000 children are expected.
