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South African ambassadors exchange soccer for ‘spirit’
25th Jun 2010
South African ambassadors exchange soccer for ‘spirit’
Fourteen young South Africans, members of the Sophiatown Ambassador programme in Johannesburg have exchanged hosting the 2010 world soccer tournament with representing their country in the UK appearing in two brand new musical theatre productions, bringing the spirit of South Africa to thousands as part of their five week UK visit, finishing on July 26th.
A partnership with the ASHA Centre in Gloucester brings Tongues of Fire Youth Theatre and Sophiatown Ambassadors together in the new production ‘Zanandule: spirit of the Elephant’ . The thrilling story featuring traditional music and dance, as well as life-size elephant puppets, focuses on a dying chief with a guilty conscience who seeks forgiveness for his past from his totem animal, the mighty elephant.
The second production – ‘Ubuntu Spirit’ was conceived and written by the Sophiatown Ambassadors for the innovative Contacting the World festival held bi-annually in Manchester at the renowned Contact Theatre. Twelve youth groups from all over the world come together for one week to create collaborative theatre using all the art forms they can imagine for a truly life changing opportunity.
Makhomo Tsepa, 25, the group co-ordinator said, ‘We wanted to bring something of South Africa to Europe while Europe is in our home country. No matter what happens at the soccer, whoever wins, South Africans brought their spirit of Ubuntu to welcoming and hosting the world. Our culture challenges us to practice this Ubuntu proverb, which tells us we can only be who we are, because of our connection to other people. Simply put, without others, we are nothing. It’s a call to humanity to live and let live, to share what we have, and to appreciate the consequences of our actions on others before we act. Both these plays share that message”.
Jane Green , drama teacher at Johannesburg’s Waldorf school commented that ” Zanandule is a mesmerizing tale of betrayal and restoration bringing together African traditions with English prose, resulting in a unique celebration of the natural talent of the South African company”.
Ticket information and bookings: Gloucester, Sat 10 July 7.30pm; London, Sat 17 July 7.30pm (£8/ £6 concs). ASHA Centre: 01594 822330
More information about the visit: Tricia Sibbons 020 7252 2915