Throughout the years in the townships people have been scared of Imoto Eba Abantwana – a car that kidnaps children – which mysteriously turns into a cabbage. The car may not have been seen, but – mystery or not – over the years, kids have disappeared and some found sexually abused and killed. It seems that we live with beastly figures right within our communities savaging on young blood. With ‘Bhuti is the Beast’, more than 50 high school learners from Walmer Township try to sensitize the audience and raise awareness about what is happening in our society through theatre, music and visual arts.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Director and Writer, Xabiso Zweni
Musical Director, Sivuyile Scott Msizi
Choreographer, Sibabalwe Ngewu
Assistant Director, Nomzamo Kula
Musical Arrangement, Manoah Sonwabo
Set Designer, Banele Njadayi
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Masifunde is an NPO based in Walmer Township, Gqeberha. Aim of their ‘Academy of Creativity’ is to make creative activities more accessible to the youth of the community. Core elements are drama classes, choirs, instrument lessons and visual arts classes for over 200 children and youth. The classes are taught by established local artists and closely supported by a social worker.
Learners may explore their talents and skills on beginner-, intermediate and advanced level, inspire their peers through performances and exhibitions and increase their personal levels of self-confidence, resilience and work ethic in the process.
Regular visits to local productions, events and exhibitions form integral part of the curriculum.