Artscape is proud to announce its annual Rural Outreach Project, which this year brings the vibrant and diverse production “Kunstetreffers” to the Riversdale Civic Hall from 15 to 16 October 2025. This initiative continues Artscape’s long-standing tradition of taking theatre to the people, in consultation with communities across the Western Cape.
For many years, Artscape has worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure that the performing arts reach even the most remote corners of the province. This year, we are honoured to collaborate with the Municipality of Riversdale, the Hessequa Jeug Festival, and our main partner, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
“Kunstetreffers” showcases a rich tapestry of artistic talent, including ballet, African contemporary dance, opera, classical and contemporary music.
Featured Artists and Groups Include Unmute, Dance for All, Cape Ballet Africa, Lynelle Kenned, Arline Jaftha, Janna Khweis, Ashlin Grobbelaar, Jovann Rocher, Josua Pieterse, JP Pieterse, Hakkiesdraad Hartman, RCC Band, Riversdal Uitvoerende Kunste (RUK) Koor, The Empower Drumming Academy
The production is produced by Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, with Stefan Lombard serving as Musical Director while Elvis Sibeko serves as the Artistic Choreographer.
For high school learners, the Career Day is a vital component of the outreach. Learners will be exposed to a wide range of career opportunities in the Creative Industry, including technical roles such as sound, lighting, and stage management, presented by Artscape’s operations team. These sessions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment world and aim to inspire the next generation of artists and technicians.
Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux shares:
“Taking theatre to rural communities is not just about entertainment—it’s about restoring dignity, nurturing talent, and cultivating a love for the arts where it was once inaccessible. The Rural Outreach Project was conceptualised as a conduit to implement our Constitution, using theatre to foster social cohesion, dialogue, and inclusivity across language, religion, race, and gender. Every child deserves to see themselves reflected on stage and to dream beyond their circumstances. It remains one of my personal calendar highlights to witness the joy, the applause, and the transformative power of professional theatre—often experienced for the very first time.”
Performance Schedule
- Wednesday, 15 October 2025
- Primary Schools Performance 1: 11h00
- Primary Schools Performance 2: 14h00
- Thursday, 16 October 2025
- High Schools Performance 3: 11h00
- Career Expo: Immediately after the morning performance
- Public Gala Performance 4: 19h00
All performances are free of charge, and schools are encouraged to confirm attendance to ensure learners don’t miss this unforgettable artistic experience.
To book your seat, contact:
Lenicha Willemse – 071 745 9512
Raymond Heunis – 062 346 1426
About Artscape Rural Outreach
Artscape’s Rural Outreach programme seeks to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities by bringing world-class artistic performances to areas that may not have regular access to such events. This initiative encourages cultural exchange, inspires young talent, and promotes the arts as a vehicle for community building.
An initiative of the then Audience Development Director and current Artscape CEO, its inaugural showcase took the theatre to the people of Wellington in 2004, and thereafter to towns including Saron, Vredendal, Bredasdorp, George, Ceres, Grabouw, and Hawston, and last year to Mamre among others.
The concerts, held on two consecutive evenings, are preceded by a career exhibition for learners to create awareness of career opportunities within the entertainment industry. Artscape’s technical team also participates, explaining the workshops of sound and lighting equipment to be used for the concerts.
Issued by Artscape
For further enquiries contact:
Simone Heradien
Senior Manager: Communications and Brand Management
Cell: 073 207 1558 (WhatsApp)