Article: Madoda ntuli
There appears to have been some rumour-mongering within the arts community that the Sibikwa is on the verge of disintegration. The source of these malignant whispers is unknown, but even a glancing inspection of the company’s itinerary reveals that Sibikwa is anything but a crumbling concern!
A very busy year ahead
Sibikwa’s Dance Company enjoys the patronage of Rand Merchant Bank, whilst the African Indigenous Orchestra, also under the Sibiwka umbrella, is supported by MMINO. Sibikwa Dance Co. is about to host their popular annual Dance Explosion in March, and the vibrant outfit has appearances booked for Goethe on Main in April, and the Grahamstown Festival in July. Other festival appearances are also in the pipeline. Sibikwa’s lecture/demonstrations on the schools circuit continue unabated, with the latest series on George Orwell’s Animal Farm having risen from enthusiastic teacher demand.
At the end of March, members of the Sibikwa Orchestra embark on an exciting trip to Sri Lanka, and the company also has a rigorous programmes of school lectures and demonstrations throughout the year - in addition to a full slate of corporate gigs!
Refusing to bow out: The Saturday Arts Academy Sibikwa’s SAA (Saturday Arts Academy) is an arts education programme targeted at young people between the ages of six and 24 which offers classes in Dance, Drama, Music and the Visual Arts. It’s true that the SAA was on the brink of closing down last year because of a lack of funding. However, parents and concerned leaders who appreciate the programme’s value to their community stepped in and, after a series of meetings held at the end of last year, worked on a plan to ensure the SAA’s survival.
New shows Sibikwa’s hit show, D.E.T. Boys High, is currently being revived in association with The South African State Theatre, and will be presented from March 10th -27th. The show will be directed by Sibikwa heads Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, who will be directing together again after a break of ten years.
Klotz is also currently working on an exciting new project in partnership with Wits University and a group of American exchange students.
The challenges of 2010
Towards the end of last year, because funds were not forthcoming as expected, Sibikwa was forced to downsize its staff in order to keep afloat. But it is heartening to see how people and organisations have rallied round, validating Sibikwa’s input to the world of the arts in the last 22 yearsLooking ahead.
Those who know Sibikwa founders Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba will know that they don’t see hurdles - they see challenges. Sibikwa, which was founded during the State of Emergency in 1988, has faithfully maintained its output, despite unfavourable political and economic circumstances. The company has many exciting new projects in development, with sponsors waiting in the wings.
Sibikwa, with its strong focus on the community, is not the kind of organisation that would just fade away with a whimper. The fact that fewer companies are offering sponsorships is to be expected, bearing in mind that the economy has yet to recover fully. The creative arts are all about moulding the world around one rather than standing by passively, and the challenges that the company has encountered over the years have only served to strengthen Sibikwa. Its 2011 schedule simply proves that this vibrant entity is moving into the 21st century
with gusto, and turning adversary into triumph!
To discover the full scope of Sibikwa’s work this year, or to find out about funding opportunities, visit http://www.sibikwa.co.za/
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