The Artists in Schools Programme hosted three workshops for pupils from October 3-7, giving them the opportunity to enhance their skills.
These included visual arts, performing arts and indigenous workshops, which were hosted at the Bush Christian Lodge and Blissful Farm in Gonubie.
The programme was funded by the department of arts and culture and supported by the East London Guild Theatre.
Up to three children between the ages of 11 and 18 were selected from all the districts, with some travelling from as far as Willowmore and Matatiele. The visual arts workshop saw artists training pupils in three techniques, namely: self-portrait in burnt wood, introduction to clay and painting.
This workshop concluded with an exhibition of the pupils’ work.
The performing arts workshop was facilitated by industry professionals who introduced the pupils to drama, dance and musical theatre training and techniques.
At the end of the workshop, the pupils performed in a production under the theme of bullying.
All the pupils participating were awarded with certificates at the end of the workshops.
“It was a great experience, for the children and for myself.
“It was great to see how excited they were to learn and how creative they were when they had to interpret the theme of bullying.
“They were able to express themselves through dance, poetry, music and drama,” said Nangamso Bosman, the musical theatre facilitator.
The indigenous workshop was facilitated by UFH music graduate and internationally- renowned bow instrumentalist Luyolo Lenga, who taught the pupils how to make indigenous bow instruments and how to play them. The pupils also got to showcase their skills at the end of their workshop.
