Shows
Rhymes and Rhythms: From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss!
When: 13 November – 22 December, with a special celebration during World Nursery Rhyme Week (11 – 15 November)
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
Ages: 3 and 7, and their families
School Bookings: moleboheng@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Get ready to dive into a world of nursery rhymes and fun as NCT brings you a new production: “Rhymes and Rhythms: From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss”. This musical spectacle is perfect for young theatre lovers aged 3 to 7 (and their families) as this enchanting production brings nursery rhymes with a modern twist.
Nursery rhymes aren’t just about fun and games, they help grow young minds. Did you know, if children know eight nursery rhymes by the time they are four years old, they can become the best readers in their class by the age of eight. But that’s not all. Rhymes boost language development, social skills, memory, and much more. So come sing along to the stories we all know and love.
Directed by Ivor Jones, not forgetting the amazing creative talents such as Dr. Sarah Roberts (set and costumes), Christine Ludwig (music), our dedicated stage management team with our spectacular actors: Jayson Tsebe, Kirsten Dickinson and Princess Sechele.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the rhymes that have shaped generations. We can’t wait to see you at NCT.
The Lion King JR!
When: 9, 10, 16, 24, 29 November and 1, 6, 7 8 December 2024, at 11:30 and 14:00
Where: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown 2193
Ages: 7 and up, suitable for the whole family
School Bookings: hello@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Welcome to The Lion King JR! The timeless story of Disney’s The Lion King – which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – will roar to life in Gauteng as part of a new collaboration between National Children’s Theatre and Disney Theatrical Group later in November-December. NCT will stage The Lion King JR, Disney’s Junior production of the internationally celebrated musical, with a cast of 50 young learners. This will be the first time the Junior production is performed in South Africa! Journey with us through the African savanna – from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again – and meet Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters who will perform classic songs including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Experience the magic and value of friendship, family and responsibility as we find our place in the Circle of Life.
This show is perfect for the whole family and schools!
NCT acknowledges with great appreciation its partners and sponsors: Disney Theatrical Group and BASA
The Hobbit
When: 14 September to 6 October 2024
Where: National Children’s Theatre (indoors) 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Ages: Age 7 and up
Cost: R140 per adult, R120 per child
School Bookings: hello@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
The Hobbit is a children’s fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published in 1937 to wide critical acclaim and remains popular and is recognized as a classic in children’s literature. NCT’s one-hour version is a suspenseful, fast-moving journey through Middle Earth by the home-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. When Gandalf the Wizard knocks at Bilbo’s door, bringing with him Thorin Oakenshield, 11 ragged looking dwarfs, and a contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of Lonely Mountain guarded by Smaug, the dragon, Bilbo could not be less interested—at first. But Bilbo’s love of a good story gets the better of him, and before he knows it, he’s off on a perilous quest over a mountain and under hill through caves and forests until the final resolution and success, not only for Bilbo but for all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth—and the hearts of those children and adults who continue to enjoy this special kind of magic and adventure.
Themes: Personal growth (maturity, competence, and wisdom, applying one’s wits and common sense). Heroism. Coming to terms with world weariness. Understanding how greed destroys the human soul. Motifs of warfare.
My Children! My Africa!
When: On deand
Venue: NCT will tour to schools in Jozi, Gauteng and beyond
Booking: Call Lebo at 011 484 1584 or hello@nNCTheatreSA.org.za
Ages: Grade 11 and 12
NCT’s outstanding production of this matric setwork brings to life a story that is as valid today as it was at its premiere in 1989 which was directed by Athol Fugard himself. We’re delighted Kathy-Jo Ross, who was cast by Fugard as the first Isobel, acting with John Kani as Mr M and Rapulana Seiphemo as Thami, is once again in the director’s seat, her fourth year and with a new cast. Set in 1985 in the Western Cape, the play begins with a debate between Isabel a girl from a posh white school, and Thami a boy from the poor Location, under the auspices of dedicated teacher Mr M. Debate is the play’s central motif; the characters argue ideals and political positions with each other, then step forward and present their positions to us. But debate is not only between the obvious: black and white, powerful and powerless, privileged and impoverished. It’s also between old and young, tradition and revolution, male and female, private and public, talk and action. All the characters are kind, smart and admirable, and each wins our affection and our allegiance, making it a challenge to take easy sides.O
The Red Balloon
When: On demand
Venue: NCT’s Inspiration Theatre or NCT will tour to your school in Jozi, Gauteng and beyond
Booking: Call Lebo at 011 484 1584 or hello@NCTheatreSA.org
Innocence Lost
When: On demand
Venue: NCT’s Inspiration Theatre or NCT will tour to your school in Jozi, Gauteng and beyond
Booking: Call Lebo at 011 484 1584 or hello@NCTheatreSA.org.za
Ages: Grades 6 and up
NCT proudly presents Innocence Lost, an outstanding educational theatre project designed to inform vulnerable teenagers of the dangers of being trafficked, and how to recognise and deal with would-be traffickers. The play goes on tour to schools in June 2023, mainly in Soweto where much girl child trafficking takes place. This program is an example of how education through theatre arts can help communities across South Africa engage with the challenging issue of stopping child trafficking, especially girl trafficking. Girl child trafficking is a social crime in which teenagers, but especially girls generally from poverty-stricken backgrounds, are attracted by promises of money, employment, social dignity and a bright future. Too late they discover that none of the promises are genuine. They have landed in a life of slavery and misery. This program intends to inform vulnerable youth and help them become aware of the horrors that result from being trafficked. Innocence Lost is based on a true story and is a sad and shocking story.
Themes: Child trafficking awareness, dangers, challenging traffickers and those who prey on vulnerable children, teacher, parent and community awareness, help and resource
