If you thing there is too much hype and drama about the environmental challenges facing us, treat yourself and your kids to a good dose of Jungle Style drama to lighten up and get in on the action.
Muizenberg’s Jungle Theatre Company returns to the public stage during the April school holidays with The Whale Show at the Kalk Bay Theatre.
The Whale Show is a story about two characters, the Wondering Whale Watchers, who are on a quest to become like whales. They swirl the audience into a fantastic high-energy adventure juggling to catch food, bubbling under-water music, receiving e-whales from a giant puppet called Wanda. They discover that the ocean is under threat and get everybody involved in taking care of the sea and saving our whales. See photo below of Wanda the Whale with Vincent Meyburgh and Unathi Speelman. Photo: Liam Beattie
The Whale Show is one of many environmentally themed shows that Jungle Theatre Company has created in response to local environmental issues. A registered Non Profit and Public Benefit Organisation, the majority of Jungle Theatre Company’s output involves touring schools and communities with engaging outreach theatre and drama in education.
Jungle Theatre Company’s original productions encapsulate a unique children’s theatre style which embraces multi lingual learning; local archetypes; props and costumes made from waste and found materials and audience participation. The ‘Jungle style’ is currently being transferred to 8 young actors who are training on the Laduma Jungle Training programme. The programme is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. Currently in their second year, the Laduma Jungle trainees have created a new production under the direction of Artistic Director Vincent Meyburgh called Umlambo Wobomi/River of Life.
An ever busy organisation Jungle Theatre Company is also working with youth leaders and workers providing drama skills training with the Greater Retreat Youth Forum and Partners with After School Care Projects. They are also part of eMzantsi’s intercultural primary schools twinnings programme.
Jungle Theatre Company recently hosted “We love Jungle” at the Masque Theatre on Valentine’s Day which showcased excerpts of Shark Dreams – an educational play about sharks, marine ecosystems and beach safety and A Dog’s Life about domestic animal welfare and caring for pets. Louw Venter (Corne from The Most Amazing Show) who was a founder member of Jungle Performance (as it was then known) in the mid 1990s was guest of honour. Jungle is uniquely authentic because “Jungle is less about its own voice and own art and more about contributing to Society,” acknowledged Louw.
To find out more about Jungle Theatre Company please contact Miranda on or email . Jungle Theatre Company’s The Whale Show will be on at the Kalk Bay Theatre from 2-9 April. The Kalk Bay Theatre booking line for tickets for The Whale Show is:
Lorraine Tanner of Jungle Theatre Company