“They (the play) taught us not to use sharp objects in the kitchen, to always wash our hands, not to play with fire and to always keep our surroundings clean”, a clear testament to the positive effect of the interactive theatre technique. Learners, like grade 5 learner, Mila Ntunja walked away having learned multiple lessons while having fun. This is the aim of the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Municipal Health Services (MHS) Interactive Theatre programme. The annual programme kicked off at Lingomso Primary in Tulbagh on 3 February 2020.
The production, ‘Jordan goes green’ was created by actors of the Klein Libertas Theatre in Stellenbosch in collaboration with the CWDM’s MHS unit. The play is presented in the interactive theatre format, which is proven to actively engage audiences of all ages. This technique allows the actors and audience to interact directly with one another through sing-alongs, question and answer sessions and lively actors.
The spirited performance kept learners riveted, their smiles turning into delighted peals of laughter at the antics taking place on the on stage. The story touches on several topical issues and especially addresses global warming and how even the implementation of the smallest positive efforts, such as recycling household and classroom waste can make a positive impact. Other issues that are addressed through ‘Jordan’ are personal hygiene, pollution, water conservation and a positive attitude toward environmental health issues, such as the importance of safe storage of foods.
The play was performed in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa at eight primary schools in the Witzenberg area, and will be presented at 60 schools across Cape Winelands district. Through creating an awareness of and cultivating a love for our environment in our children, the CWDM hopes to encourage positive behavioural change that will be echoed in the behaviour of the community at large.
This is the effect that, Mr Gasela Mphunga, Principal of Lingomso Primary hopes for the learners of his school. He explains, “the learners pass a river as they walk to and from school. The river is used as a dumping ground by the community, which makes it an environmental hazard. I hope that this play will help children educate their parents and the community on how and why it is important to keep the river clean.”