Program
My Children! My Africa!
When: 11 March
Venue: South African State Theatre, Pretoria and NCT, 3 Junction avenue Parktown
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: Grade 11 and 12
Cost: R90 per student, R120 per adult
NCT’s outstanding production brings to life a story that is as valid today as it was at its premiere in 1989 which was directed by 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 third 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.
Themes: Are 1980s challenges still today’s challenges: race, education, segregation, loyalty, friendship, challenging people’s political views and awareness of political issues, the end of childhood and the coming of the age of awareness.
Winnie the Pooh Kids
When: 12 March to 10 April
Venue: Imagination Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 upwards
Cost: R140 per adult and R120 per child
Winnie the Pooh Kids is based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne. Although Winnie is a cuddly bear, he is the best friend a child could have. Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where a new adventure is about to begin. Winnie is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, and off they go, looking for their best friend Christopher Robin. But Christopher Robin isn’t to be found and to their horror they see a note and detect that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson. As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and sharing snacks, but of course nothing works out as planned! Fortunately, in the end, Christopher Robin shows up, and solves the mystery.
Themes: The importance of friendship, positivity, empathy and gratitude, as well as the importance of education, taking pleasure in the simple things in life, getting along with everyone and embracing your individuality.
Matilda Jr.
When: 30 March to 31 March
Venue: Illumination Theatre, National Children’s Theatre,3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 upwards
Cost: R140 per adult and R120 per child
Matilda by Roald Dahl, was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed for the stage by Matthew Warchus. The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves reading and shares a home with her parents and brother, who do not apprecaite her. When her principle tortures her and a kind-hearted teacher, she uses her telekinetic powers to settle scores, helping her teacher to reclaim her life and overcoming many obstacles caused by her family and school. NCT’s fans will experience Matilda like never seen before in this production by the Pretoria Youth Theatre,
The Hobbit
When: 16 April to 21 May 2023
Venue: Inspiration Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 7 and up
Cost: R140 per adult, R120 per child
The Hobbit is a children’s fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published in 1937 to wide critical acclaim—it remains popular and is recognized as a classic in children’s literature. This 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, eleven ragged looking dwarfs, and a contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of Lonely Mountain, now guarded by Smaug the dragon, Bilbo could not be less interested—at first. But Bilbo is persuaded 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, not only for Bilbo but for all the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth, endearing the story in the hearts of children and adults who continue to enjoy this introduction to Lord of the Rings. Personal growth (maturity, competence, and wisdom, applying one’s wits and common sense), heroism, understanding how greed destroys the human soul. Motifs of warfare.
Themes: Personal growth: maturity, competence, and wisdom and applying one’s wits and common sense. Heroism. Understanding how greed destroys the human soul. Motifs of warfare.
The Tempest
When: 8 May to 2 June 2023
Venue: On tour to schools in and around Gauteng and nationally
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: Children in Grade 11 and 12
Cost: R120 per student
The Tempest, a set work for matric students in 2023, as Shakespeare’s last play, is often considered his farewell to the stage. Banished from his dukedom by his usurping brother, Prospero lords over an enchanted isle and raises a tempest that shipwrecks his enemies on its shores. Ariel leads the shipwrecked Ferdinand, the King’s son, to Prospero’s cell, where he and Miranda fall instantly in love—and Prospero questions his values. In the betrothal of Ferdinand and Miranda, the rift between Naples and Milan is healed. Finally, Prospero in his own persona as the Duke of Milan forgives his enemies, grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island for Milan and his restored Dukedom. Shakespeare’s masterpiece has both comedy and tragedy elements and pits the desire for revenge against the demands of love. It deals with redemption and the rediscovery of kindness. It is about transformation: from tears to laughter, from cruelty to forgiveness, from enslavement to freedom.
Themes: Questioning our values: How do we find a way through the unquestionable wrongs others have done us? How do we manage our own values–often justified– anger and hurt? What must we do to settle the past? How do we find reconciliation, forgiveness and repentance?
Noko goes to School
When: 25 June to 16 July 2023
Venue: Imagination Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: R120
Noko Goes to School is a lesson in multi-culturalism.The story opens when Noko the porcupine, Mmabudu the hyena, Kolobe the warthog, Nkwe the leopard, Inhoka the snake, Tarentaal the guinea fowl, attend their first day of school in a friendly forest. All are at a singing lesson, each singing in their own best way, challenging the teacher as they are so out of tune. The teacher is delighted when the bell goes and it’s time for lunch. The animals retreat into the sunshine, take out their lunch boxes and tackle their food, while the teacher moves off to have tea in the staff room. Just like little children, the animals are curious about what everyone is eating and discover each animal has brought a special lunch, quite alien to the other animals, and this makes them quite argumentative. Why doesn’t everyone have the same lunch? One of the animals start bullying the others. How is Noko going to solve the problem?
Themes: Respecting and honouring differences among friends. Celebrating colourful cultures. Learning how to diffuse situations.
Curious Thandeka and the secrets of the forest
Company: Petrus Productions at NCT
When: 25 Feb at 14:00
Venue: Inspiration Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: R100
Puppets can tell all kind of stories and this time we invite you to follow the Curious Thandeka as she explores the secrets of the forest. It’s bed time but Thandeka can’t sleep. She has a lot of questions that only her granddad can answer. Why does Ostrich have a long neck? Why does frog have such a funny croak? Why does the tortoise use its shell as a house? Come and tiptoe through the forest with Thandeka as she makes exciting discoveries about the forest. This is an enchanting puppet and marionette show with incredible, entertaining characters.
Themes: Environmental and animal awareness. Friendship. New behaviours.
Miemsie and the very Naughty Lion Bizzyhands Puppet
Company: Michelle Botha at NCT
When: 15 April at 14:00
Venue: Imagination Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: R100
Miemsie and the very Naughty Lion is a puppet show version of the classic, Little Red Riding Hood, from the book by Alex T. Smith. This enchanting production will have young and old roaring with laughter. Miemsie has to go visit Grandma who woke up with Spottelitus! On her way she passes several of her bush friends including Jimmy the old crocodile, the monkey brothers, Mama Giraffe and her baby Jonty. They all warn her about the very Naughty Lion. When Miemsie finally reaches Grandma’s house, she is immediately suspicious…. But she can see right through this Naughty Lion’s plan… Miemsie plans to teach the very Naughty Lion a lesson… South African style!
Themes: Being kind to and understanding one another. Respecting the environment and animals.
The Adventures of Bella Butterfly
Company: Margaret Auerbach Puppet Company at NCT
When: 24 June at 14:00
Venue: Imagination Theatre, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 2193
Questions: info@nctheatresa.org.za or call 011 484 1584
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: R100
Bella Butterfly is a wonderful story about the transformation of a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. Join the excitement and drama as Crystal Caterpillar embarks on her dangerous journey of transformation. As Crystal Caterpillar transforms, meet her friends Emily and Freddy, and other strange creatures along the way, including Milton Mantis, who is always in search of something tasty. Crystal will need your guidance and participation as she finds her way to a wondrous and magical new life! Children will delight in Crystal Caterpillar’s transformation and imagine they’re actually the butterfly.
Themes: Mindfulness helps regulate emotions, builds resilience, and creates empathy, and encourages children to be more connected with themselves and others.