Meadowridge Primary wins theatrical competition

Each school had to perform a 10-minute theatrical play which they have adapted from a book by three-time, international award-winning Mitchell’s Plain poet, and social philosopher, local poet Athol Williams. The book, entitled Oaky The Happy Tree, is part of The Oaky Series, which was written by Williams, and illustrated by Read to Rise’s very own Taryn Lock. Oaky The Happy Tree is a feel-good children’s book about an oak tree who discovers the secret to being happy.

Meadowridge Primary School was closely followed by Rocklands Primary School which came a close second with a powerful performance. Liesbeeck Primary and AZ Berman came third and fourth, respectively.

The competition, which is a partnership between Liberty Promenade and local non-profit organisation, Read to Rise, is aimed at encouraging and promoting the importance of reading and art across the community. The top four schools had progressed from the elimination round one week ago where Grade 3 learners from 10 local primary schools had been invited to the shopping centre to compete.

Liberty Promenade’s Food Court was transformed and equipped with a theatre-like stage with professional sound, lighting and special effects which gave the event a professional feel and the local community came in large numbers to show their support to the youngsters.

“We are extremely delighted to be part of this initiative in our community and we are even more excited to see such a high standard of performance and talent among the young people of Mitchell’s Plain. We are especially grateful to the teachers and the parents that nurture this talent on a daily basis. Congratulations to Meadowridge Primary School,” says Najeeba Small-Ebrahim, the marketing manager at Liberty Promenade Mall, which is also sponsoring 1600 Oaky The Happy Tree books for the participating Grade 3 learners.

Athol Williams feels that the translation of this book into a stage play provides valuable exercises in reading comprehension and active learning. “I am delighted to be part of this initiative with Liberty Promenade because the youth in Mitchell’s Plain are in need of role-models from their own community, and this opportunity can only inspire our talented learners to reach their full potential and unlock their creativity,” he says.