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Bitou theatre joins anti virus thrust
Plettenberg Bay-based educational theatre company, Lunchbox Theatre, has pulled on its team’s creative spirit to find new ways to spread information about the coronavirus.
“We need to reinvent the way we approach our family life, our social interactions and our work life. So many of these situations have changed in ways we never imagined possible. And now we need to find ways to address these challenges with the most mindful and compassionate approaches possible,” the theatre group’s director Stuart Palmer said.
He added that because schools are closed and they can no longer perform their shows or conduct workshops, the idea for an experimental film, to inform children in a fun way about the coronavirus and how they can make in impact, was born. “We made the film by using our actors filming themselves at home on their cellphones. We are really pleased with the positive feedback we have received.”
In the film, the audience meets three characters – Tannie Marie, Tamkulu Kwalo and Dr Jo – who explain the good hygiene practices to follow to avoid the spread of the virus. The presentation is done in three languages.
Since the production of the short video, Lunchbox Theatre has also teamed up with iKasi Media and Bonitas Medical Fund to create a series of 10 short video clips informing people about the virus.
These 30-second clips will focus on three points of awareness including what the coronavirus is, how one can help to stop the spread and how to help spread awareness.
Palmer said they have continued to pay their staff salaries during these difficult times and offered assistance where needed. “We are hard at work finding new and innovative ways to reach the children and their communities.”
Details on how to contribute to Lunchbox Theatre’s efforts are on their website, www.lunchbox.org.za.