W A H community workshops
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The workshops are directed at men and boys with the aim of facilitating interactive and congenial learning, healing and growth. We are currently piloting a new five day curriculum across four different regions in South Africa as part of our DREAMS Innovation Challenge grant. We will continue to work closely with members of TX Theatre Productions.
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Patrick, Mongezi and Josi each sculpt a physical embodiment of a WAH poem.
TX Theatre Productions
Is a community based theatre company that creates socially relevant theatre productions. The company is comprised of young men whose average is 23 years old. They are based in the township of Tembisa, which is located about 33km (40 minutes) from Johannesburg. The group operates primarily out of the Moses Molelekwa Arts Center in Tembisa. The company members include: Peter M., Mongezi M. (coordinator), Bandile, Mxolisi M. (director), Josiah M., Solomon M., Nash S. (coordinator), Justice P., Lunga M., Mika.
Is a community based theatre company that creates socially relevant theatre productions. The company is comprised of young men whose average is 23 years old. They are based in the township of Tembisa, which is located about 33km (40 minutes) from Johannesburg. The group operates primarily out of the Moses Molelekwa Arts Center in Tembisa. The company members include: Peter M., Mongezi M. (coordinator), Bandile, Mxolisi M. (director), Josiah M., Solomon M., Nash S. (coordinator), Justice P., Lunga M., Mika.
The Process
We first became aware of the group through Dir. Warona Seane, when she invited us to a community theatre festival being hosted by the Market Theatre Lab. The performance of their original play Queen, left me riveted and inspired. A year later we contacted them to meet with Antonio along with Simphiwe and Abel (WAH ambassadors) to discuss the possibility of working with We Are Here. That initial meeting turned into a workshop discussion that highlighted a need and a desire to embark on a journey discovery through We Are Here.
We first became aware of the group through Dir. Warona Seane, when she invited us to a community theatre festival being hosted by the Market Theatre Lab. The performance of their original play Queen, left me riveted and inspired. A year later we contacted them to meet with Antonio along with Simphiwe and Abel (WAH ambassadors) to discuss the possibility of working with We Are Here. That initial meeting turned into a workshop discussion that highlighted a need and a desire to embark on a journey discovery through We Are Here.
"From the very 1st session I took a whole lot and I've been bettering my life ever since." - Bandile
Our collaborative engagemnet has been divided into two phases. During phase 1 the workshops focused on the development of life skills and personal awareness. I've concluded during my research that these two areas are vital to addressing cycles of violence and building healthier communities. This phase ran from December 2013 through April 2014. Phase 2 of the workshops included a process that consisted of rehearsals, writing exercises, devising, discussions and performances of We Are Here as multi-person stage production.This phase was implemented from October 2014 through January 2015.
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Fast Facts
Ekurhuleni (metro area of Gauteng) at a glance:
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Tembisa, an Nguni name meaning Promise or Hope, is a large township situated to the north of Kempton Park on the East Rand, Gauteng, South Africa. It was established in 1957 when black South Africans were resettled from Alexandra and other areas in Edenvale, Kempton Park, Midrand and Germiston.
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