WEEKLY ROUND UP
2 June 2025
Artscape’s commitment to Youth empowerment continued this past week at the cultural institution as we continued Youth Month celebrations. The following productions and events were enjoyed by patrons.
CAPE TOWN’S MOST WANTED – 19 JUNE @ 19:30
Artscape’s signature street-dance showcased a dynamic co-creative display of scores of dancers across styles like hip-hop, popping, krump, voguing, contemporary and pantsula take to the stage highlighting the collaborative platform of Cape Town’s dance scene. A true celebration of youth, style and urban culture it saw 1500 patrons revelling in the prowess. It also piqued media interest as Enca’s Tanya Nedft and crew filmed the performance including an interview with director Cleo Notcutt-Williams.
URBAN OUTREACH CONCERT – 21 JUNE @ 14:00
Athlone dressed in their finest as young and old let their hair down at the Urban Outreach Concert at the Dulcie September Civic Centre. A community-driven initiative that connects Artscape directly with local communities saw community-based artists from the area perform at this free event.
Gospel artist Jongie brought the packed house down while Novocaine’s R&B had the crowd dancing on their feet. This initiative too piqued media interests with pre-publicity received from Heart FM, Cape Talk and Bush Radio, among others while Cape Town TV is scheduled to do a post-show broadcast.
Events
BOOK LAUNCH: CRYSALIS ACADEMY – 21 JUNE
From personal reflection to published pages, Caged No More is a beautiful example of how storytelling can ignite growth and healing. The book captures the real, raw voices of young people who have overcome adversity and now stand tall in their truth. The launch was an emotional and proud moment for all involved in the Write4Life journey. Caged No More, is a creation of ON THE PULSE, an initiative set up by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s YearBeyond project and Chrysalis Academy to amplify youth voice through a range of platforms.
The book launch was supported by the Western Cape Government.
CEO ENGAGEMENTS
The Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability (WCFID) actively engages with young persons with disabilities to explore career options and the role of the arts in their lives. They conduct workshops and programmes aimed at raising awareness about intellectual disability and empowering individuals to participate in society. The arts, particularly the performing arts, are recognized as a valuable tool for developing social and life skills, fostering confidence, and creating opportunities for social and economic inclusion. The CEO addressed the forum in this regard the past weekend.
Upcoming
MESSIAH – 25 JUNE @ 19:30
This contemporary dance work produced by New World Foundation 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 arrived at Artscape! We’re expecting thousands of pitter patter to throng the halls of the theatre as they see Bluey in action on the Opera stage, and meet him in person too.
DANCING AGAINST ALL ODDS: 26 JUNE @ 19:30
This contemporary dance pieces 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.
A special thank you to Charlens Banjatwa for his continued commitment to his peri-urban interactions.