adminHAROLD R. Oaks, writing in an ASSITEJ International yearbook, described theatre as having “the power to create a virtual reality, and to thrust those who view it into virtual experiences they could not otherwise have. It offers the chance to expand the life experience of viewers by having them experience, vicariously, the world from another’s point of view; travel in time and space across cultural and political boundaries that may otherwise be insurmountable.”
Now what parent would not want their child to travel in time and space across cultural and political boundaries? What right thinking parent would not want their child exposed to life changing performances by other children and young people? Harold R. Oaks’ description of theatre clearly shows why schools must consider making it a compulsory activity for pupils.
As parents we all send our children to school to prepare them for the challenges of adult life. School teaches them how to solve some of life’s problems. Theatre does the same, in a much more entertaining and involving way. Theatre uses the tool of imagination and it is often said that those with imagination will always find it easier to navigate around modern life.
Only those armed with a good imagination will be able to rule today’s world. The world has become a global village and our children are interacting with different cultures everyday. Children and young people need to be prepared for this reality whilst at school. Theatre can do this in a better and more enjoyable way. Taking part in theatre activities at school will no doubt help a child prepare better for the real world – a world of different cultural experiences and different role plays.
As an artiste I have had the privilege of attending a few Jikinya finals. Jikinya is a national dance festival for primary schools organised by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. It is very popular with schools. While attending these finals I have witnessed young people engrossed in their performances, loving every moment. I have heard the loud cheers from those watching; friends, schoolmates, teachers and fellow competitors. I have heard wild stomping of feet as children went through their Jerusalema, mbakumba, isitshikitsha, and amabhiza dances.
At the end of day the faces of the winners and their teachers depicted a joy that is almost near impossible to pin down on this paper. Being a theatre person I have always wondered what would be the experience if the same children were asked to tell their own stories through theatre. What narratives would these young people come up with, depicting the different communities they come from?
In other platforms I have bemoaned the absence of theatre for children in this region but I am glad to say theatre has grown roots in secondary and high schools – particularly in Bulawayo and the surrounding region.
This steady growth, in both performance and appreciation, can be attributed to the consistent skills sharing workshops conducted by the likes of Inkululeko Yabatsha Schools of Arts (IYASA), Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, Amakhosi Theatre and Nhimbe Trust’s Schools Playwrights and Actors Academy.
These have provided training for both teachers and students for the past three to four years. The trainings are usually geared towards the three major drama competitions in the region – Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search, Plan High Schools Drama Competition and NASH drama competition. It is also exciting to note that this growth has seen the introduction of young actors and actresses to main stream theatre.
As we celebrate the above efforts I believe it is high time theatre skills sharing cascaded down to primary schools. There is virtually no theatre in primary schools. While every primary school has a dance club and takes part in Jikinya Dance Festival there is no known serious theatre event or activities targeting primary schools in the region.
An introduction of theatre at primary school level would prepare the young students for theatre activity at high school and university where it is done as a formal subject. Once there is theatre in primary schools we can then start talking about synchronizing theatre related activities and training in the education sector.
I believe it’s time we challenged ourselves to create works for children and young people while in the process of recruiting, engaging and encouraging young people to tell their stories through theatre. Like a lot of the media games young people are being exposed to theatre can also be live, engaging and interactive. It is very suitable for the young students at primary level.
Online Reporter