Peter Hayes took his play "The Tricky Part" to fesitvals in Canada and won the best visiting play. He has performed the play at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (2006&2007), the Downstairs Theatre in Jo'burg and here at the Baxter. We went to see the play in September 2007. The best that I can describe this emotional performance is captivating. I hung on every word waiting for what was going to happen next. The production was not well supported but those who attended were blown away. It is fabulous that South African artists are recognised internationally. It just confirms that immense talent that we have at home. Now we need more people to support the productions. Well Done Peter!!!!
Angela
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
What is Culture?
We are starting to build Encore into a business and are working with a consultant on a marketing plan. When asked about our focus we said the performing arts. What was interesting was the assumption that this was the formal disciplines such as classical music, opera and ballet offered in the formal theatres. We were asked "what about the rich culture in the townships?" In my mind that is included in performing arts. Our challenge is to find the artists and include their events in the diary.
It got me thinking about our perceptions of the performing arts and culture as something separate and something that is "good for you". A bit like having to take horrible tasting medicine because "its good for you". But culture and performances are part of our identity and found in public spaces, community halls and any place where people come together to celebrate. Instead of seeing the performing arts as a luxury, it should be a part of our daily lives, something that is easily accessible. I was reading a document where there was the statement "the pleasure of the arts can not be restricted to a priveleged few". Hear, hear we all need more beauty in our lives.
If anyone knows of artists and events,especially grassroots events, send us an email (paul@encoreonline.co.za) and we will gladly put it in the newsletter and on the web site. The deadline for the newsletter is the first Friday of the previous month but there is also the calendar for events planned well in advance so people can get extra notice of forthcoming events.
See ya at the "theatre"!
It got me thinking about our perceptions of the performing arts and culture as something separate and something that is "good for you". A bit like having to take horrible tasting medicine because "its good for you". But culture and performances are part of our identity and found in public spaces, community halls and any place where people come together to celebrate. Instead of seeing the performing arts as a luxury, it should be a part of our daily lives, something that is easily accessible. I was reading a document where there was the statement "the pleasure of the arts can not be restricted to a priveleged few". Hear, hear we all need more beauty in our lives.
If anyone knows of artists and events,especially grassroots events, send us an email (paul@encoreonline.co.za) and we will gladly put it in the newsletter and on the web site. The deadline for the newsletter is the first Friday of the previous month but there is also the calendar for events planned well in advance so people can get extra notice of forthcoming events.
See ya at the "theatre"!
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