The artistic prowess of our Born Frees takes centre stage this June at Artscape with an exciting, jam-packed series of productions that seek to celebrate and amplify the diverse voices, expressions, and talents of South African youth, coinciding with Youth Month and June 16 Youth Day in particular.
The repertoire includes a smorgasbord of genres from jazz to hip-hop, drama and even some magic. It seeks to honour the sacrifices made by the Youth of 1976, before and beyond who were instrumental in attaining our democratic freedom, including artistic, since 30 years of democracy.
Coming of age this year the 21st rendition of the Youth Jazz Series sees young musicians, including those acquiring jazz skills by ear, who were auditioned to be part of the programme for the 2024 edition, trumpet their skills. The project, directed by Head of Jazz Studies, University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Associate Professor, vocalist and pianist Amanda Tiffin, encompassed Masterclass programmes where the young musicians learnt from those experienced in the industry. A two-day showcase, it features the Youth Jazz Alumni on Friday 21st June 2024 and the School Jazz Bands on Saturday 22nd June 2024. The latter were selected by Keith Tabisher of the Western Cape Education Department.
The project has grown extensively over the years to accommodate the enormous interest and exceptional talent of young jazz musicians. Formerly known as the Youth Jazz Festival the project continues to evolve and is now known as the Youth Jazz Series.
Anniversary celebrations continue as The Little Giants band revel in the achievement of 25 years of jazz as they feature both past and present members from 14 to 15 June. Formed in 1999 by Ezra Ngcukana and George Werner the project has provided over 300 young people in Cape Town from diverse backgrounds with opportunities, many of whom became established professionals in their own right, while some have accompanied our musical legends including Winston Mankunku and Robbie Jansen, among others.
Meanwhile Cape Town’s Most Wanted, 27 to 29 June, highlights the pivotal role that the Arts proffers youth through the medium of hip-hop to engage in meaningful development in our disadvantaged communities ensuring that they are inculcated with positive societal values that may bolster their resilience and resolve to overcome the socio-economic challenges of their communities.
In retrograde we explore some of the social ills in Dude Wa’s My Phone, 4 to 8 June, including sociopathy. A one-man play starring Jeremeo le Cordeur as Dean September, telephone voice over artists include Dean Dorvan Balie among others.
The Whimsical Beanstalk, 20 to 29 June, re-imagines the timeless tale of Jack and the Beanstalk transporting audiences on a mesmerising journey.
Khayelitsha Fashion Week returns on the 29 June strutting the designer skills of talented youth within this historically disadvantaged community as well as the broader Cape Flats.
If it’s magic you’re after don’t miss the Unbelievable Magic Show, 8 to 9 June, proudly presented by the College of Magic. They promise to entrall with sleight-of-hand, illusions, juggling and even some comedy among their host of skills.
The Youth Month Art Exhibition, 11 June to 5 July, showcases young talent from across the Western Cape in a range of mediums from photography, to textile art, performance art and paintings. Furthermore, it showcases the rich tapestry of youth experiences with themes of resilience, identity, climate action and community connection.
All this and more at the Theatre of Choice. These productions are presented in partnership with the Western Cape Government inclusive of the Western Cape Department of Education, Chrysalis Academy, the City of Cape Town, the Suidoosterfees and supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture of which Artscape is a cultural agency.
For ticket enquiries, including wheelchair/persons with disability access requirements, kindly call Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695 or visit the Artscape website (www.artscape.co.za) for more information.