![Back from left, Standing committee chairperson Ricardo Mackenzie, Premier Helen Zille and Minister Anroux Marais with some of the cast members Back from left, Standing committee chairperson Ricardo Mackenzie, Premier Helen Zille and Minister Anroux Marais with some of the cast members](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/back_from_left_standing_committee_chairperson_ricardo_mackenzie_premier_helen_zille_and_minister_anroux_marais_with_some_of_the_cast_members.jpg)
This past weekend, learners from various after-school programmes (including the MOD Centres), facilitated by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), wowed audiences at the Artscape theatre with their production titled “Earth Moves”.
The production ran on Friday, 26 June and Saturday, 27 June and represented the culmination of more than six months of auditioning, talent identification camps, rehearsals and eliminations for more than 800 MOD centre learners. Following that, the best 78 learners were chosen from 23 schools for the “Earth Moves” production.The learners had the opportunity to showcase their dancing, singing, recital, acting and juggling talents. Learners were divided into three groups who competed to outdo each other with their skills. The audience couldn’t contain their excitement as they saw the amazing talents that these learners have.
DCAS Head of Department Brent Walters welcomed the audience at the show on Saturday. “Tonight we will show that arts, culture and sport can give young people a focus, a direction, a purpose and ultimately; an expression and hope for the future.” he said.
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille also attended the production on Saturday night. After the show, the learners had the opportunity to meet both the Premier and Minister Anroux Marais. Premier Zille congratulated all the learners and told them how impressed she was by what she saw: “You are all so talented and you must continue to develop your talents to ensure that you become the best in the country.”, she told the excited learners.
DCAS provides after-school programmes to offer learners a safe environment where they can learn new skills and develop their talent. Communities should support the MOD programme and encourage youth to take part. We can keep our children safe and develop their talents BETTER TOGETHER.
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za