Arts and culture teacher Lizethe Roux does not miss the National Arts Festival, which runs this year from June 26 to July 5. She told the Teacher how educators can make the most of their visit
How many times have you been to the festival?
I have been to the schools fest 18 times. If it continues I will go again and again and again!
That sounds like a record time, why is it so important to you?
It is a valuable learning curve for my drama students at Crawford College, Lonehill. They are exposed to many genres and all the arts are included. The students on their return also give a presentation in assembly on their experiences at the festival.
They develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts and their passion for performing becomes stronger. They learn all they need to know of how to give birth to a piece of written material, either scripted or workshopped. Workshopping forms an important part of the drama syllabus and the skills learned during the festival are valuable.
What is the average age of the group of learners that you take with you to the festival?
Only 17- and 18-year-olds. They are also only drama students. They go because they selected the subject and need to develop their artistic talents and become active theatre-goesrs.
Is there any specific project that you are looking forward to watching this year?
Workshopped productions and storytelling performances. The arts developed from storytelling and there are so few storytellers left in South Africa. A special technique is required and I want to expose this technique to my students.
How do you benefit, both personally and professionally, from this outing?
I have been a drama teacher for 34 years and each time I go I learn something new. I share this with my cluster (of drama teachers from various schools) during cluster meetings and empower them too to try new techniques. Theatre techniques, the use of body and voice, are valuable tools for an actor and it is my job to stay ahead of my learners. I feel enriched and enthusiastic after every production and make notes on skills I would like to improve. One is never too old to learn. A leader is after all not “the position”, but “the action”.
Kindly share with our teachers things they should consider should they want to embark on a similar trip.
Get a letter of motivation to parents soon into the new year. Explain the importance of the festival and the skills acquired. It also gives them a chance to budget. Also:
Make bookings as soon as possible once learners have committed themselves to going. A deposit must be paid by the end of April.
Secure two drivers and book a bus and trailer for luggage.
Secure staff to join you and your Âlearners.
Travel over two days there and two days back. Make a holiday of it. We usually stay over at the Gariep Dam and have a braai with the students. They have to take charge of the meal. Accommodation here is comfortable and the students like to share bungalows with their peers. A buffet breakfast is served the next day and we depart for Grahamstown afterwards.
At Grahamstown do a group booking at a restaurant for coffee, hot chocolate and pancakes after an evening performance.
Have a prize-giving in the bus on the way back. Each student receives a “funny” gift – something small but valuable to remember the festival and experience.
Buy fresh fruit and lots of juice and water for the trip to and from.
Take warm clothes – practical gear to be comfortable.
Take a trip to the beach after checking out of your accommodation at Rhodes University. We take it for granted that all learners have been to the beach.
Pack a first aid kit.
Do not leave valuables in the rooms.
Remember what you pack is what you carry.
Move around in Grahamstown in groups of four.
Make sure students have the cell numbers of the staff members.
Lizeth Roux is an arts and culture teacher at Crawford College, Lonehill, ÂJohannesburg