WINDHOEK
“Hit the Beat – Silent words – sing out loud!” Performing Arts Project, along with learners from the Waldorf School Windhoek, will deliver a concert with drumming, theatre and dance next Friday at Warehouse Theatre.
Hit the Beat is an extraordinary performing arts project, presented by learners at the Waldorf School Windhoek and guests, incorporating dance, drums, choir, theatre, garbage music and stick fighting. The development of the performance included three incredible weeks of choir rehearsals for all high school learners from Grades 10 to 12, and an additional choice of three workshops for each learner: dance, drumming, stick fighting or improvisational theatre – and finally the hard work will conclude with two performances at the Warehouse Theatre.
This year, the performance is part of a project sponsored by the U.S. Embassy through the Presidentʼs Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project was launched in October 2014 and targets a holistic HIV prevention programme for Grades 8–12 at Waldorf School Windhoek. The idea has been to talk about HIV prevention and to embed it in artistic exercises designed to promote high self-esteem, and assertive behaviour, which are the key qualities necessary in any prevention programme. In addition to workshops
at the school, Childline/Lifeline also assisted with workshops.
Throughout the project, the learners worked on the musical presentation of HIV topics, made prayer flags and practised assertive behaviour with the help of stick fighting. In addition, various art workshops took place to strengthen the awareness of and respect for our surroundings. This work will be displayed during our Hit the Beat presentation.
“Hit the Beat – Silent words – sing out loud!” is a powerful presentation. The theatre framework will moderate the show through poems that were either written by learners or chosen to suit the theme of HIV prevention. Choreography aids the development of creativity and stimulates the capabilities of memory in general. By working artistically on this project, the learners focus on the following key qualities: creativity, courage, teamwork, musicality, and general rhythm all of which are confidence-building qualities. Music connects. Non-verbal communication helps to bring people together. When
working with music, everyone is equal; there are no differentiating or discriminating factors. The learners acquire a greater awareness of their bodies through daily dancing and movement training. Stability and flexibility, as well as coordination, are improved through special exercises that also help develop stage presence.
The team behind the learners include Simone de Picciotto (project leader, choir project, drumming workshop, stick fighting and garbage music workshop); Carmen Nothando-Voigt (dance and choreography); Luigi Scarano and Norman Skillen (theatre, poetry and improvisation); Tony Muirhead (drumming), Felix Spitta (hip-hop and filming) and teachers from Waldorf School Windhoek. Gonzo ʼn Friends from Germany provided special coaching for enthusiastic singers and musicians (drums, keyboard). During the performance at the Warehouse Theatre they will be on stage as “special guests” with the learners.
The event starts at 19h00 and advance tickets are N$ 60 and N$80 at the door. Tickets are available at the Waldorf School Windhoek or by this contact: 081 122 80 71.