Laughter, music, and powerful storytelling filled the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre on August 1 and 2, as the Franklin Players welcomed audiences to the inaugural Playground Fest – a celebration of creativity, community, and inclusion.

The two-night festival brought together theatre groups, community organisations, and independent performers, transforming the venue into a space where diverse voices could entertain, challenge perceptions, and inspire meaningful conversations. Among the standout performances were the heartfelt songs of the San Salvador Home residents, whose production championed disability awareness through music, movement, and joy. The audience was also treated to an energetic improvisation performance by Assembly Improv South Africa, while the Gcebile Dlamini Foundation delivered a moving piece exploring womanhood and the experiences of women in society.

Read more: Franklin Players shares the magic behind community theatre

Franklin Players chairperson Khaya Dube said the festival was created to expand the organisation’s impact beyond its own productions, by providing a platform for artists and performers from different backgrounds and abilities. “For me, art heals people, informs conversations, and creates spaces where people can talk about things that need to change.

“I hope people leave having conversations, feeling inspired to get involved in their communities, and not being afraid to tell their own stories.”

One of the festival’s most memorable performances came from San Salvador Home in Hyde Park, where residents with intellectual disabilities took to the stage to share a message of acceptance and possibility. Manager and community hub co-ordinator Naomi Schauer said the performance was about much more than entertainment. “We’re saying that we have something to give, something of value. They’re not passive recipients of charity. They’re saying: ‘I’ve got something to give, and it was worth your time’.”

Also read: Franklin Players chairperson points out why community theatre still matters

Schauer explained that performing has transformed the confidence of the residents, who come alive through music and dance. “We’re asking people to include them, but I don’t think they always know how. So, we’re saying, ‘Come and spend time with us’. People leave realising they’ve been focusing on what our residents can’t do, instead of seeing everything they can.”

She believes performances like these help shift perceptions, while creating opportunities for residents to experience the excitement of performing before a live audience.

As a non-profit organisation, Franklin Players reinvests proceeds from its productions into future performances and community outreach. Judging by the enthusiastic audiences over both evenings, Playground Fest has laid the foundation for what promises to become a meaningful annual celebration of local talent, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!