A documentary on theatre's rural outreach to be screened

Young documentary director, Yazeed Kamaldien will be  screening  his  theatre outreach film Lief en Leed Mamre: We are what we are.

 This poignant documentary captures the essence of the Artscape Rural Outreach initiative that took place in Mamre last October, in collaboration with Lief and Leed, an NGO dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities by those who understand the challenges first-hand.

Artscape has been committed to bringing theatre to rural communities for over 20 years, and this commitment has only strengthened over time.

“Over the years, we have partnered with local NGOs, municipal bodies, and schools to transform venues into mini-Artscape theatres,” said Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux.

“Last year’s initiative was especially meaningful after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” The outreach programme this year once again reached the hearts of the Mamre community, providing them with a taste of professional theatre.

The initiative has positively affected 16 rural towns, including Wellington, Saron, Vredendal, and many others since its inception. It culminates in the beloved Kunstetreffers Concert, showcasing an array of talent, from local artists to renowned performers. This year's lineup will feature award-winning opera star Lynelle Kenned, indigenous music specialist Prof Dizu Plaatjies, and rising stars like wheelchair-bound singer Chane Hugo and dancer Marvin Zoutman, emphasising the programme's dedication to accessibility and artistic excellence.

Last year’s concert, held at Mamre Primary School Hall, highlighted local talents, including the local Smile Production Band and the Mamre Brass Band, with professional artists from Artscape’s associated companies performing alongside them. Artscape's technical team worked tirelessly to prepare local talent, leading to an extraordinary night of performances.

Accessible and inclusive, the upcoming Kunstetreffers Concert promises even more. With a bigger line-up featuring renowned artists and local sensations like Nikita Scott, also a wheelchair user, and the rap talent Nashiefa Diederichs, this concert not only entertains but also empowers. Tickets for the concert are priced at R100, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Lief en Leed’s vision of establishing a Centre for Excellence that serves marginalized communities in the greater Mamre area.