Award-winning actor, playwright and director, Ralph Lawson has come up with an innovative way to teach youngsters about caring for the planet.
Through his innovative roaming production, “Sthandwa and the Nature Thieves”, he tackles pressing environmental issues such as keeping our surroundings clean, conserving water and preventing pollution.
The stage production is aimed at inspiring junior and senior primary school pupils to take action to protect the planet.
It follows the journey of Sthandwa, a brave heroine who sets out to discover why she can no longer communicate with nature.
Along the way, she must overcome her fears and confront the Nature Thieves, a mischievous gang responsible for the degradation of the planet.
Through a talented cast and creative puppetry, the production brings to life the importance of sustainable living as well as environmental rights and responsibilities.
This enchanting tale highlights the interconnectedness of all living things and encourages youngsters to become the guardians of the planet’s future.
The theatre show is currently touring Durban schools under Lawson Edutainment, an initiative launched as part of Lawson’s Legacy Project, which seeks to leave a sustainable footprint in theatre for the next generation.
“Theatre has the power to inspire and shape young perspectives and ‘Sthandwa and the Nature Thieves’ is the perfect catalyst for sparking a love for the environment and a desire to protect it,” Lawson said.
“We provide an entertaining and informative live theatre performance, aimed specifically at reinforcing the work done in the classroom for pupils to enjoy.”
The theatre veteran added that this travelling production can be brought on-site to schools to educate and entertain children. It also serves as a fundraising initiative for schools.
“Fundraising can be a challenge. We can offer a percentage of all ticket sales for performances at your school to help swell your funds, or businesses could sponsor a staging of the production at their local schools, aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Let’s inspire a love for the environment, one performance at a time,” said Lawson.
To book a performance for your school during the 2024/2025 academic calendar, or if you’re a business interested in sponsoring this production at a local school, WhatsApp Dawn on 079 696 8328 or email dawnhaddon@gmail.com.
“Open Night”
The International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) students are set to showcase their first production, “Open Night”.
The spectacular musical theatre showcase will feature youngsters performing songs from legendary musicals such as “Les Miserables”, “Hamilton”, “Hairspray” and “Anything Goes”.
Lisa Bobbert, co-founder of ISPA said: “We are thrilled to share the talents of our students with the community. This showcase is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty.
“This is ISPA's first showcase and the school is excited to introduce itself to the Durban community. We’re proud to be a part of this vibrant city and we can’t wait to share our passion for performing arts with everyone".
The event also offers prospective students, parents and theatre enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the training and performance quality that the newly-established school provides.
Industry veteran, Des Govender, who is also the organisation’s co-founder and vocal director, said that Durban, which is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, is the perfect backdrop for the showcase.
“We believe that Durban has a wealth of talent and potential and we're committed to helping our students tap into that creative energy.”
ISPA acting coach, Aaron McIlroy, who is acclaimed for his side-splitting stage productions such as, “A Vegan Killed My Marriage”, “Marriage for Dummies” and “Bulletproof” added: “I believe that performing arts have the power to transform lives... We’re excited to share that with the community.”
Where: The Olive Tree Church in Berea.
When: Thursday, July 25, at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets range from R80 for students and pensioners and R100 for adults. They can be purchased on Webtickets or at Pick n Pay Stores.