Dreams come true on the big stage for young learners from MRP Foundation Schools
Learners from Kearsney Primary School perform in MRP Foundation’s production, Just Imagine, directed by theatre legend Peter Court. Image: MRP Foundation / Tim Lubbe
Friday, August 31 was a night to remember as local theatre star and director Peter Court made youthful dreams come true. The DLI Hall in Greyville, Durban, came to life when 50 talented learners from five MRP Foundation supported schools in KwaDukuza were joined by a host of local artists in the colourful theatre production Just Imagine watched by an audience of over 350 guests.
Learners from the Aldinville Senior Primary School, Kearsney Primary School, St. Christopher’s Primary School, Nyakana Combined Primary School and Zilungisele Primary School in KwaDukuza, performed alongside local dancers, singers and actors Samantha Lambert, Clare Mortimer, Brian Hikes, Darren King, Rowan Bartlett, Gill and Nicole of Interact, Mthokozisi Zulu, Anthony Stonier, Lyle Buxton and Pinkie Mtshali.
Samantha Lambert’s heartfelt rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, set the stage for an hour of dynamic well-synchronised dance routines, drama, reading, music and song. Pinkie Mtshali’s powerful interpretation of Afrikan Dream culminated the show, together with the entire cast of learners joining her on stage, showcasing their hours of hard work as a collective.
“This is the African dream. What we saw on stage is the future that we are building,” said an emotional Peter Court after the production. Court, the Creative Arts Implementation Partner for the MRP Foundation Schools Programme commended everyone involved especially the artists who so selflessly gave off their time and talent for such a great cause, and the audience who supported such a worthy production.
Head of MRP Foundation Karen Wells said, “Tonight was so much more than I imagined it would be. I was absolutely amazed. It shows that when you believe in your dreams, anything is possible. Tonight was proof that tomorrow’s potential can be unlocked.”
Ms. Zonke Mbonambi, the Creative Arts educator at St. Christopher’s Primary School said she has been involved with the MRP Foundation School’s programme since its inception in 2011. She said it was really exciting for learners to be doing Creative Arts as a subject for the first time.
“A lot of talent has been discovered amongst these learners and we were so surprised by many of them. The MRP Foundation and Peter have unleashed so much of confidence in these learners who can now creatively express themselves through art and dance,” she added.
Grade 8 Kearsney Primary School learner Anele Dludla, a once shy thirteen-year old is now a confident young teenager, who enjoys drama, poetry and dance, which are part of the MRP Foundation’s Creative Arts programme. “I really enjoyed tonight, especially working with learners from the other schools. I was very surprised that there were so many people, but I enjoyed being on stage,” she said.
Apart from an evening of superb entertainment and a delectable three-course meal, guests had an opportunity to purchase artworks made by learners from the schools and gain insight into the education and skills development programmes run by the MRP Foundation.
Words: Farzanah Asmal
