Theatre in the backyard
Theatre in the backyard is an entirely new concept, the brainchild of Mhlanguli George, and his community theatre group Ikhwelo Arts theatre group. The idea grew from a shift in focus where it is difficult to get original works to the mainstream, taking the audience to the backyards presents a whole new experience. The audiences are small but the impact is bigThe are supported and sponsored by tour operator Coffeebeans Routes. The troupe produces real-life theatre pieces staged in the township backyards. Props consist of whatever is on hand and there is no dedicated seating area for the audience. The “real life”plays are in English and are just 30 minutes long but can be hard-hitting and tough to watch
After the show, the audience joins the director and his performers for a home-cooked dinner and beers
In South Africa the vast majority of people live in shacks or wooden huts made from materials they can cobble together.. township backyards provide a crucial secondary layer of housing, with residents renting a temporary wooden or zinc structure from the backyard owner
3.5 hour experience, give or take a half hour, which includes transport to and from the venue, an introduction, dinner and conversation
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