Have you heard of the SBA’s prisoners’ drama project? If not, you have most likely not been on our social media plstforms or you were not part of the schools that saw the production. This stage play, (The Ballroom Boy), is an initiative by Sandra Prinsloo, veteran actress and SBA chairperson. Sandra and the famous actor and director, Christo Davids, first did extensive research before writing the emotional and gripping drama piece.
Christo wrote the stage play, which is about a mother who lost both her sons due to gang activity. The story is based on real events.
Carmen Maarman is part of the cast and plays the role of Barbara Jantjies, the mother of the two boys. According to Carmen, she really enjoyed the role. She says: “It is just sad for me that she had to lose both her children.”
Gerswin Cupido, project organizer of the SBA, says the tour was incredible. “We had 40 productions in the Western, Eastern and Southern Cape. The majority were at schools while others were performed in community halls. ” He says the performance at Judah Square in Knysna was a highlight especially for the actors.
“The venue where the group performed was small, but the turnout was good. Some of the people stood outside the hall and watched the performance. After the performance, the residents gave us a tour of the community where we learned a lot about their way of life. It was incredible to be able to be part of the journey “, he further explains excitedly.
The Ballroom Boy is a very emotional stage play and leaves many with a lump in their throat and or a tear in their eye. For this reason, Lesley Thomas, a facilitator of Genderworks, joined the tour. His job was to defuse the atmosphere after the play. “Our job is to help people process their pain because if they do not process the pain, they will pass it on to others.” https://fb.watch/dpxX3lSgu8/
The tour ended on May 27 in Skurweberg. Some of the towns visited during the tour include Graafwater, Steinkopf, Nababeep, Kakamas, Keimoes, Upington, Uniondale, Oudtshoorn, Humansdorp, Mossel Bay, Gouritsmond, Albertinia, Melkhoutfontein, Slangrivier, Hexvallei and Ceres. Take a look at photos of the performance here. Meanwhile, the SBA was also launching their second animated film. Robbie the Rough Rat, was introduced last month at the Suidoosterfees held at the Arts Cape. The SBA’s first animated film, The Kokerboom, a Christmas story, was released in Kakamas in February. Both of these animated images can of course be downloaded from the SBA’s website. Watch the animated films here.
