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GEORGE NEWS - Theatrical games and life skills go hand in hand. This is what learners of St Paul's Primary School experienced during a community outreach by the theatre group Asijike Arts on Friday 7 March.

The children enjoyed a bit of interactive theatre, themed "Bullies vs Buddies". 

PHOTO GALLERY - It's bullies against buddies at St Paul's Primary

With 10 schools on their list, Heather Stead of Asijike and her sterling team of actors brought a boost of energy to St Paul's doorstep, showing the learners how the choices they make and the steps they take to protect themselves can affect their lives. 

This week they reached out to Diepkloof, Kretzenshoop, Touwsranten, MM Mateza and Tyholorha primary schools.

"Our aim is to bring theatre to schools, and to bring schools to the theatre," said Stead. "We talk about social issues, such as reading The Book Tree and Bullies vs Buddies. The schools identify the main issues and we work around that."

Grade 7 learner Thuto Nkopane handles the microphone like a pro. With him are Xolisa Mtshiselwa and Heather Stead, both of Asijike Arts. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

The presentation is interactive, thus keeping the children engaged. It is performed in Afrikaans and English, or isiXhosa and English. 

Asijike Arts is sponsored by the National Arts Council, through the Presidential Employment Stimulus - an employment programme for the arts.

"By the end of March we will have an entrepreneurship programme for singers," says Stead. "It is a six-day course with trainers, who help the artists to put together a programme with which they can tour. They learn all about performing, social media, recording, marketing and event management." 

For more on Asijike, contact Stead on 072 369 3304.

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