African village is centre stage with North project

Mar 10 2010 by David Whetstone, The Journal

COVERAGE of this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa may disguise the fact that many of the country’s citizens have access to very few facilities, let alone world-class football stadiums.

A heart-warming project led by Ryder Architecture and Dodgy Clutch Theatre Company, both based in Newcastle, involves the construction of a new theatre at a village school in Eastern Cape province.

Ryder staff have worked with South African villagers to plan The Roundhouse at Gqumahashe Primary School, in the Tyhume Valley, a roofed amphitheatre that will be used for public performances.

The original South Africa/North East connection came via Archie Sibeko, a veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle who now lives in Tynemouth, near Dodgy Clutch founder Ozzie Riley.

Links have been strengthened by the Swallows Partnership which for the last few years has been organising exchange visits for North East and South African artists and cultural leaders.

On March 29 a dinner at Newcastle Civic Centre will celebrate the growing partnership between the North East and Eastern Cape and the business community is being asked to give its support.

Entertainment will be provided by some of the South African contingency shortly to arrive in the region to work in schools and give public performances.

Peter Buchan, chief executive of Ryder Architecture, said the theatre’s ‘gabions’ – wire cages filled with stones – had been installed to support the seating and a local timber specialist had been commissioned to fell the trees which will be used for the roof.

“That was quite a major step and we are now looking to move to the next phase in April,” said Peter, who is shortly to fly back to South Africa to supervise the work.

“In different ways the project is benefiting everyone. As far as Ryder is concerned, it’s a fantastic opportunity for our people to engage in a project in a very different part of the world, forcing them to think on their feet.

“As for the people of the Tyhume Valley, the theatre and the performing arts can help them to develop a sense of self-esteem and, I also like to think, bring them real economic benefits.”

Dodgy Clutch worked with local people to develop a play called Elephant which this year is bound for Broadway. In June, they will open South Africa’s National Arts Festival at Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, with a new work which they also hope to perform in The Roundhouse.

The aim of the Newcastle dinner is to raise £15,000 for the project.

Businesses can take tables (£500 for 10 places) but single tickets are on sale at £60 each. Contact David Faulkner on 0191 211 5151 or email dfaulkner@sky.com