Hillbrow youth perform in Berlin theatres
Eighteen youth ranging from eight to 22 from Hillbrow, in Johannesburg's inner city, are embarking on a trip of a lifetime in Germany, thanks to Outreach Foundation and the Goethe–Institut during May and June 2018.
The youth are part of the cast of Hillbrowfication, a production by Constanza Maras/Dorkypark and the Outreach Foundation's Hillbrow Theatre in co-production with the Maxim Gorki Theatre, Berlin.
The youth arrived in Berlin on 16 May 2018 and had their first show in Valencia on 19 May 2018. During their stay in Valencia from 20 to 24 May, they attended workshops before flying back to Berlin where they will perform for various German schools on 28 and 29 May. From 1 to 3 June, the cast will perform at the Maxim Gorki Theatre and will return to Johannesburg on 4 June 2018.
Hillbrowfiction is a futuristic approach to life in Hillbrow. The actors were challenged to re-imagine their neighbourhood in the future sans violence and xenophobia, and then they had to develop material based on their perceptions and experiences and how they wish it would be.
"We are extremely excited for the cast, as this is an experience that may shape their futures," says Executive Director for Outreach Foundation, Robert Michel.
"Two of the dancers, who are now in their twenty's, have been with us since they were in their early teens and are now mentoring the younger ones. They are taking what they learnt from our theatre and from all the productions they have been in, and are inspiring our Hillbrow youth.
"Also, international exposure such as performing in Germany can leave a huge impression on these children and could catapult them into a career in the arts".
Hillbrowfication premiered at Outreach Foundation's Hillbrow Theatre in March 2018 as part of the 30th anniversary of the Dance Umbrella Festival. The Goethe-Institut has supported the production and is funded by the TURN Fund of the German Federal Cultural Foundation.
The Outreach Foundation offers support and development to people living in the inner city of Johannesburg and beyond. Through skills development, advocacy and arts enrichment programmes, the foundation seeks to inspire creative and empowering journeys for all looking to achieve their full potential.
For more information about Outreach Foundation or to help us with our work in urban communities, please go to www.outreachfoundation.co.za