National Children’s Theatre play educates teens on democracy
New play ‘Vote For Me’ helps teens unpack democracy and leadership.
The National Children’s Theatre (NCT), from February 19 to March 15, is showing an innovative stage play, Vote For Me, introducing young people to democracy, leadership, and the importance of using our votes wisely.
The play aims to make teenagers and their families aware of the build-up to South Africa’s next national elections. The play is a collaboration between the Kwasha! Theatre Company, the Windybrow Arts Centre, the Market Theatre Foundation, and NCT.
Vote For Me director, Lesedi Job said the play is about unpacking leadership, “With South Africa approaching elections, and 30 years since democracy, many of us are still coming to grips with what we require from our leaders. Many of our cast members are young people who will be voting this year.”
Job added that the play was about conversations around leadership.
She added that she extended that conversation to a younger generation by saying, ‘You can’t vote right now. When the time comes, what kind of people would you vote for?’
The title refers to the idea of voting on behalf of the youth. This is because who parents vote for will also have implications for their children.
The play is an unconventional theatre production that walks a journey from the past to the future while developing a conversation around leadership and allowing the audience to engage with the actors.
Vote For Me has a cast of five and is aimed at teenagers, from Grade 7 to Grade 11.
“The play is a great way for schools and parents to introduce children to the idea of democracy and to prepare them to become active citizens in the future,” concluded Job.
The play runs from February 19 to March 15 at the National Children’s Theatre and costs R130 for families on weekends. Booking is on Quicket.
For school block bookings during the week, it will cost R100 per learner, please email hello@NCTheatreSA.org.za or call 011 484 1584 or WhatsApp 0761152304.
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