Adi Paxton aka Cherry the clown and director of Our Stories Our Voices, story teller Qhawelentombi Mkhize and singer songwriter Sneah “Amqzing Makoti” Mkhize
Image: Val Adamson
Durban storyteller Cherry the Clown (Adi Paxton) with the Creative Children Arts Team presents Our Stories Our Voices - A Children’s Theatre Musical - an exciting multidisciplinary performance with storytelling, clown and puppetry elements, for one public performance only at the Stable Theatre today at 3pm.
The project is inspired by Dr Gcina Mhlophe’s Mazanendaba stories.
The show celebrates stories created and performed by children and youth alongside professional performers. Children and youth tell stories they have created, stories of overcoming and of being creative and having a voice in the world despite its dangers and silences. Our Stories Our Voices began with storytelling workshops led by the Creative Children’s Arts Team (CCAT). They have included into the project, traditional storytelling and Zulu folklore. Their aim is to encourage vulnerable at-risk children and youth to express themselves through the show; to learn and be inspired by the experience of creating and performing in a professional way that honours their stories. They were also involved in a poster design competition and in some prop creation.
Storyteller and singer Qhwanelentombi Mkhize fronts the production, while singer Sneah Mhkize, rapper Siyabonga Mkhize and musician Dave Arnold on vocals and guitar, wrote the songs.
The production team includes Vusi Makhanya as co-director and choreographer, Jabu Siphika, of Flatfoot Dance Company, choreography and production management with Adi Paxton as producer, director and script writer.
“It’s been a challenging and exciting journey. I’m amazed at how talented and creative everyone on the project is”, says Adi Paxton,” We’re looking forward to sharing the show with you all.”
The Creative Children Arts Team of which Adi, Vusi and Danelia Daniels are founding Directors aims to use creative arts to uplift vulnerable and at-risk children and youth. This project has arisen out of their work in children’s homes and youth centres since 2019, (they registered in 2020). Vusi Makhanya is Creative Children’s Arts Team chairperson and founder of Kwa Mashu School of Dance Theatre.
The show is at the Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi (Russell) Street, Durban, today at 3pm with preview performance at 11am for invited guests. Tickets R50 / R20 (concessions) at the door. Bookings via WhatsApp 083 725 0925.