#ReimagineAlhambra
The relaunch of the Alhambra Theatre was a hugely successful event, with wonderful entertainment and thought provoking, if not slightly terrifying insights into the state of education in South Africa currently.
Of 10614 public high schools, only 7% offered art subjects such as music, visual and dramatic art, design and dance as a matric subjects. “In Gauteng, only 27% of high schools offer these art subjects.â€
Plit said that was “a national crisis†as the arts are important in forming creative youngsters. “These figures mean that most matriculants are only exposed to ‘right answer’ subjects. These do not require creativity, innovation, independent and imaginative thinking. They do not contribute to pupil self-confidence and the ability to express themselves in social environments,†he added.
Plit gathered a team of professionals to form a hub to expose students to the arts. “We intend engaging with high-school students, as well as teachers, to develop and experience the art, and to take the experience and lessons learnt to the educational fields,†he added.
An NPO; Alhambra Centre for Development of the Arts is currently being set up to manage the new arts centre.
Gordon Cook is the contact for anyone who would like to collaborate with the NGO to support the work being done at the Alhambra Theatre.
Lending A Hand
(Click on image to enlarge)