CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THEATRE WITH “THE FOREST” – A DANCE PERFORMANCE FOR CHILDREN

In celebration of the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People (20 March), we invite you to experience the captivating dance performance, “The Forest”, a family-friendly show presented as part of the global campaign #TakeAChildToTheTheatre by ASSITEJ SA. This initiative addresses the critical lack of theatre access for many South African children, emphasizing the power of the performing arts in young lives.

Dates and Time (60 seats per show)

March 27 & 28 – 10:30 AM | March 29 & 30 – 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Venue: Theatre Arts, Methodist Church Hall, Cnr Milton Road & Wesley Street, Observatory. Duration: 35 minutes. Watch the teaser: Click here

Tickets & Booking: R80 – one ticket (per child or adult); R150 – two tickets (adults with child). To book click here. We are pleased to offer special discounts for large group/school bookings. We also have options for free attendance upon request. To discuss your school’s participation and secure your booking, please contact Katia via WhatsApp at +27 (82) 722-2731.

About “The Forest” 

“The Forest” presents two intertwining worlds: the mystical realm of nature and mythological creatures, and the real world of human experiences. The performance encourages young audiences to reflect on nature’s significance, love, resilience, and how our actions today shape the world of tomorrow.

The performance unfolds in multiple layers: live on stage and simultaneously on screen, offering audiences a unique multi-dimensional experience. The addition of vibrant animation enhances immersion, inviting children to actively engage in decision-making, fostering creativity in a digital age where automation often replaces imagination.

“Some children react instantly to instructions, while others take time to process them. However, as technology advances, children are increasingly in constant motion—jumping, running, reacting instantly. Asking them to ‘stand still’ can feel like asking them to stop thinking.” – says Kateryna Aloshyna (co-founder of the Art Educational Platform “Contemporary Dance Laboratory”, NPC).

An Interactive Experience 

Unlike traditional performances, “The Forest” is highly interactive, offering children the opportunity to participate actively or simply observe, making each experience personal and unique.

Join us in making theatre accessible to all children!
For media interviews, please contact +27 608 268 084 or [email protected].

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About the Project 

Inspired by Lesya Ukrainka’s timeless literary masterpiece, “Forest Song”, this production was created in 2021 to mark the 150th anniversary of the legendary Ukrainian poet and presented at the Roodepoort Theatre (Johannesburg) in collaboration between the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, choreographer Kateryna Aloshyna (co-founder of the Contemporary Dance Laboratory), and the Embassy of Ukraine to South Africa, the performance bridges cultures, generations, and artistic expressions.

A visually striking and thought-provoking contemporary dance performance, “The Forest” explores the contrasts between human ambition and the natural world, weaving together themes of love, fidelity, and the complexities of life. It is a story of romance and tragedy, reimagined through a child’s perspective, where second chances are possible.

Creative Team: 

Idea & Choreography: Kateryna Aloshyna (Ukraine/South Africa)
Dancers: Ockert Prins, Nukeeshia Lekay, Carren Johannisen, Abigail Johnson
Music: Maksym Berezhnyuk (Ukrainian sopilka) & Dmytro Aleksienko (beatboxing)
Animation: Mykyta Budantsov

About Contemporary Dance Laboratory (CDL) Established in 2023, CDL is dedicated to promoting contemporary dance as an innovative art form that fosters professional collaboration and social reflection. Through various artistic mediums, CDL advocates for the rights and well-being of children and youth, recognizing the transformative power of the arts.

About Ukrainian Association of South Africa UAZA (NPO 189-705) is a collaborative association registered in May 2017 that promotes networks between Ukrainians and South Africans for mutual development, increased awareness and inner growth of individuals and societies. For more information www.uaza.co.za.

About ASSITEJ South Africa Founded in 2007, ASSITEJ SA is committed to nurturing theatre for young audiences by supporting artists, integrating performing arts into education, and advocating for every child’s right to creative expression.

Showtimes: 

March 27 & 28 – 10:30 AM
March 29 & 30 – 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Venue: Theatre Arts, Methodist Church Hall, Observatory
Tickets available at the theatre website https://theatrearts.co.za/show/forest

We created this space for you. We want you here.

MEDIA CONTACT:
+27 608 268 084
[email protected]