July Foreword

Artscape lived up to its ethos of youth development this month through the showcase of the following productions as the nation commemorated Youth Day.

YOUTH JAZZ SERIES – SOLOISTS – FRIDAY 13 JUNE @ 19:00

The amazing talent of 14 Young soloists stunned patrons as this year’s 22nd rendition of the Youth Jazz Series. If one had closed one eyes throughout the performance and only listened to the voice, music and instruments emanating from the stage one would have thought that one was at an international jazz festival of note. The fruits of the preceding masterclasses certainly paid off. The concert was attended by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture Joseph “Joe” McGluwa, the honorary consuls of Estonia and Turkey, the consul of Namibia and a board member of the Suidoosterfees who partners to the Youth Jazz Series as well as the City of Cape Town

Besides performing cover versions of well-known jazz tunes of Alvin Deyers, Sibongile Khumalo and Zoe Modiga, an alumni of the Series, the 14 participants’ talent shone through their own compositions. Soloists featured were Andrea Martinez (vocals), Caleb Meyer (vocals), Sarah Pengilly (vocals), Cole Krieling (guitar), Dillon Poggepoel (bass), Micaela Hannibal (bass), Caleb Dlamini (piano), Aviwe Macutwana (trombone), Franco Von Wieligh (tenor saxophone), Zakhiel Davids (trumpet), Daniel Roux (guitar), Bruce Basson (piano), Kyle Damons (piano) and Ezra Smuts (drums).

The future of Jazz looks bright.

Youth Jazz Series Soloist Clip https://youtu.be/k5n9wDqe9BI

CCFM CAREER EXPO – SATURDAY 14 JUNE – 10:00 TO 13:0PM

The 4th Annual CCFM Career Expo saw hundreds of Youth throng the Chandelier Foyer for a full three hours in search of future careers presented by over 60 exhibitors from the beauty industry, SAPS, engineering, accounting, administration and finance among others. Some exhibitors also showcased the careers in assisting persons with disabilities such as autism or blindness notably the SA Guide Dogs Association. For many it was their first time at Artscape and their dedication to their futures showed through their commitment to attend by their own volition by taking public transport including taxis from across the Peninsula.

Motivational talks by Cape Town’s Junior Mayor Michael Bam among others encourage the Youth to plan their future. The Expo served as a great Brand opportunity for Artscape through the CCFM outside broadcast for the duration of the exhibition which was opened by the MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt. It aims to provide a platform for inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.

YLTP TRAINING PROGRAMME- GRADUATION – SATURDAY 14 JUNE @ 14:00.

Artscape has partnered with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), who hosted the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP) from the 9-14th of June 2025 at Artscape. The programme culminated in a graduation ceremony on Saturday 14th of June at 14:00 in the Arena. This event showcased the transformative impact of the YLTP through powerful testimonies, highlighting personal growth and overcoming challenges, such as crippling social anxiety.

Through initiatives like the YLTP, Artscape continues to demonstrate its dedication to investing in the future by nurturing the potential of young people. We believe this program will provide invaluable tools and opportunities for participants to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on their communities. This programme focuses on empowering youth, providing mentorship, and facilitating skills transfer. The YJ2025 has been conceptualised since 2024.

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ SERIES – SCHOOL BANDS – 14 JUNE @ 17:00

School Jazz Bands under the leadership of Western Cape Education Department’s Music Directorate Keith Tabisher and Hugo Smuts took to the stage showcasing school bands’ jazz prowess. This evening was the second instalment of the 22nd Youth Jazz Festival made possible through the support of the City of Cape Town and Suidoosterfees. Schools who participated included Bergvliet, South Peninsula, Fairbairn College, Christel House, Cedar High, Alexander Sinton, Parel Vallei, Belhar, De Kuilen, Parklands College and Settlers High schools participated. Many of these young musicians have now gone on to establish themselves as successful professional musicians, recording artists and educators.

These activities bear testament that youth day is more than a slogan for Artscape and its partners. The cultural institution engages with youth all year round to be the safe space to engage with other young creatives to pave the way for democracy, which the youth of 1976 and before started– for equal education for all. We support the notion that Youth day cannot be about slogans; we owe it to the youth of 1976 who died because of their principled cause to ensure that all year round we give voice to relevant skills transfer and to create opportunities and open the doors to the youth of today.

The Youth Jazz Series was dedicated to Alvin Dyers and Rashid Lombard. Of note was the Chief Director, Mr Benjamin and senior officials of WECD who attended he Jazz band’s concert.

The staff, in various departments, who gave their time and sacrificed family time to serve the youth of our country must be thanked for their dedication to this flagship project.

Youth Jazz School Bands Series Clip: https://youtu.be/NxhqWxyUNOU

Meanwhile earlier in the week the following productions and events took place

TSHIKA – 10 JUNE 12

Tshika’s dramatic thread dove into the anomaly that South Africa is facing with absent fathers. According to the Human Sciences Research Council’s State of South Africa’s Fathers 2021 report

most children in South Africa — over 60% — don’t live with their biological fathers. And 20% only have contact with their biological father twice a week. According to Statistics South Africa only 31.7% of black children live with their biological fathers, compared with 51.3% of coloured children, 86.1% of Indian or Asian children and 80.2% of white children.

This phenomenon engenders generational trauma which the play addresses while asking the question: “What happens to boys who grow up without fathers? And what kind of men do they become?

A conversation starter it also featured a fruitful question and answer session with thought provoking questions asked by those who attended. Topics raised included the question between power and strength as well as the recuring refrain as to what do we do as a nation with fatherless children and what do we do with young men not raised by fathers. It uncovered the male dilemma of a “fatherless nation” and resounded a call to heal. Many agreed that this powerful drama should be staged within the community so that the nation has direct access.

Written by Tefo Paya and directed by Jerry Pooe it is brought to life by Wushwini Pan African Arts Centre.

LAUNCH OF THE CAPE CULTURAL COLLECTIVE (CCC) AND ARTSCAPE – THURSDAY, 12 JUNE @ 18:00

The Cape Cultural Collective and Artscape has entered into a partnership agreement which was launched on Thursday, 12 June. The programme featured a showcase of poetry featuring Helga Jansen & Vusumuzi Mpofu, Jazz featuring Charles Louw, music by the Rosa Choir as well as the CCC Ensemble, reflecting the creative and collaborative spirit of this partnership.

The partnership seeks to enrich the cultural and artistic landscape of the Cape community with monthly programmes that will feature a showcase of poetry, jazz, music and collaborative creativity.

CEO ENGAGEMENTS

The CEO met with the German Consul-General to discuss continued collaboration on arts and culture projects

RX RADIO OPEN DAY

The RX Radio Open Day was attended by the Communications Manager on Saturday 14 June which also formed part of Artscape’s monthly radio diary and promotion of Youth productions slot as part of the media partnership. Board members who attended included Dr Sashmi Moddley: Sessional Consultant Developmental Paediatrician; Mr Gasant Abarder: Media, Marketing and Communications Professional;

Mr Sameer Rahim: Head of Department of Physiotherapy and Ms Claire Mawisa: Television Presenter and Media Personality. Entertainment was provided by indigenous classical music maestro Dizu Plaatjies.

Meanwhile, Youth Month productions continue

CAPE TOWN’S MOST WANTED – 19 JUNE @ 19:30

This showcase features the best of Cape Town’s Street Dance in one night. Celebrating the 15th production of Cape Town’s Most Wanted this popular show allows audiences to see the best of Cape Town’s Street dancers, choreographers, and dance crews—from across the City and beyond—in one performance.

URBAN OUTREACH CONCERT – 21 JUNE @ 14:00

The Urban Outreach Concert in Athlone is part of a community-driven initiative that connects Artscape directly with local communities. Community-based artists from the area will perform in a professionally staged concert held within their own neighbourhood.

The event is free and open to the public.

MESSIAH – 25 JUNE @ 19:30

The New World Dance Theatre’s production “Messiah”, is choreographed by the renowned Marlin Zoutman. It is a contemporary dance work that investigates the human pursuit of a higher force, needing to have faith in something greater.

THIS IS BLUEY’S BIG PLAY, FOR REAL LIFE. – 26 JUNE TO 06 JULY AT 11:00; 14:00 AND 17:00

Bluey has taken the world by storm and is heading to Artscape!

Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

DANCING AGAINST ALL ODDS: 26 JUNE @ 19:30

Dancing Against All Odds has become a signature contemporary dance repertoire at Artscape due to its popularity. It is a vibrant celebration of resilience as dance studios across Cape Town showcase diverse styles and unity. It seeks to champion youth empowerment through electrifying performances.

BORNE FREES: 27 JUNE @ 19:30

Another success story of New World Dance Theatre showcases their decade-long commitment to dance excellence. This visionary project unites the youth from WCED Arts Focus Schools to ignite reflection, freedom, and empowerment through movement.