Mothertongue Youth Theatre Company

Mothertongue Youth Theatre Company

Umhlaba: in die Skoot van die Aarde 

A multi-lingual (Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa) offering that blends poetry, music and physical theatre. The self-written material reflects the performers’ responses to notions of land and belonging. Theatre-Maker and Performance lecturer, Sara Matchett, directs the 7-member company Melenie Jakobs and Ashley Seconds (La Chasseur Farm), Jaydene Lekay McGregor, Denise Gandu (Dwarswater), Sandile Kosana, , Khayalethu Mkorwana and Simphiwe Mangqasa (Nkqubela). They have been performing together as a youth Theatre company for 4 years with the exception of Khayalethu and Simphiwe, who are newcomers and have already impressed with their dedication.

The Mothertongue Project has, over the past 4 years, been implementing programmes in the region. Our focus is on developing creative expression, leadership and entrepreneurial skills amongst young men and women. We see our involvement as one that grows and develops over time with the McGregor, Robertson, Nkqubelo, and surrounding farm community networks.

The Langeberg Youth Arts Project (from which the Youth Theatre Company emanates) provides Participatory Theatre Training, which is integrated with Leadership Development Training as well as Entrepreneurial Skills Training . The programme develops core life skills that prepare participants for possible employment where this is available, and also provides support and basic skills to facilitate the creation of their own job opportunities.