The NCTT, being a non-governmental organisation embraces the sentiments of the Honourable Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, at the launch of National Environment Month when she said: “We must strengthen our co-operation to protect the environment with both international and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and partners ……. If we are to achieve success, women and youth formations who use nature on a daily basis, should be actively involved in planning, implementation and monitoring environmental protection programmes. It has been demonstrated that they love their country and are eager to make a contribution to society through volunteer work”.

Timeless and topical, “Songs and Tales under African Skies” spreads the message of sustainable environmental development in a high energy eco-musical. It is the brainchild of the much acclaimed and award-winning Joyce Levinsohn, the Artistic Director of the National Children’s Theatre. Mrs Levinsohn is also the director of this production, which has captivated audiences since 1987.

The message in every story is very clear. “Uowangalema” is a Xhosa legend that teaches the importance of conserving trees while “Masilo’s Lake” warns of the dangers of pollution. The children in the audience use their imaginations to interact with the actors, helping to clean the litter, or even being “converted” into a suction pipe to suction all the oil from the lake!

The music, arranged by Tebogo Tshotetsi, is played on authentic hand-made instruments such as the marimba, reed flutes, the okarani and the tshaga. The songs are carefully chosen and range from the traditional ‘The Wedding Song’ to the kwela sounds of ‘Township Jive’.

The stories are masterly told, the songs beautifully sung and the animal movements cleverly executed by the enthusiastic, energetic and talented cast members Tebogo Tshotetsi, Nomvula Gebashe, Bongane Dube and Dominion Adams.

“Songs and Tales under African Skies”, is a dynamic, humorous, multilingual theatrical experience with a potent mixture of ethnic story-telling, poetry, vibrant songs, the pulsating beat of African drums and dance.This is theatre at its best.

“Songs and Tales under African Skies” will run at the Community Libraries in Gauteng from 25 August to 26 September 2008.

This production has been made possible by the generous support of NAC and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

The shows are all Already Fully Booked

10 Sep Hammanskraal in (Hammanskraal, 11 Sep Jerry Moloi in (Benoni), 12 Sep Kagiso Public in (Krugersdorp), 15 & 25 Sep Bajabulile in (Mamelodi),

16 Sep - Hallala in (Soshanguve), 17&18 Sep Gatang in (Mamelodi), 19 Sep Birchleigh North in (Kempton Park), 22 Sep Tsakane Public in (Tsakane),

23 Sep Boiphatong in (Boiphatong) and 26 Sep Toekomsrus in (Toekomsrus).

Historic Highlights:

1990 NCTT toured to Germany, Rome, Mauritius and the UK with “Songs and Tales”.

1991 NCTT‘s eco musical “Songs and Tales” was recorded for Channel One, the American TV series and was flighted throughout the USA.

1991 NCTT was commissioned to work with the National Children’s Rights Committee, as part of a national campaign for the promotion of children’s rights.

1995 Joyce Levinsohn represented the NCTT at an official lunch in honour of President Mandela and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

1996 President Mandela launched “Children, Poverty & Disparity Reduction: Towards Fulfilling the Rights of South Africa’s Children.” Commissioned by the office of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), and supported by UNICEF, it was agreed that drama was a powerful and unique medium to relay the message of this production. The NCTT was responsible for transforming this from paper into theatre.

1998 NCTT incorporated a schools touring programme into its Outreach initiatives.

2000 NCTT toured ‘Peter Rabbit and other Beatrix Potter Tales’ to the annual Pilgrims Rest Country Fair.

2002 NCTT’s eco musical was performed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

2003 NCTT’s production of “Picture This: Teens, Aids and Drugs” was recorded by the BBC and flighted on UK national TV.

2004 NCTT’s production of Charlotte’s Web won a prestigious Naledi Award.

2004 NCTT’s “My Right to be a Child” was filmed and shown at the Youth Summit at the United Nations.

2005 NCTT together with the Maverick Group was awarded the IPRA Golden World Award for Excellence in Public Relations in the Arts category.

2005 NCTT was a finalist in the Arts and Culture Trust Awards for Arts Education Project.

2007 NCTT’S production of Sleeping Beauty received 5 stars from The Star Newspaper

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Visit our website on www.artslink.co.za/jyt