Winter has definitely arrived in the City of Johannesburg!
It was the arrival of the cold weather that prompted the Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet, Iain MacDonald to propose the idea of a drive to collect blankets, scarves and warm socks for those who are in desperate need of warmth to Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre
MacDonald explained, “I was driving into work one day and I felt so desperate when I happened to notice a man asleep on the street with nothing covering him, other than the clothes he wore. It was particularly cold that day, and I knew there and then, that we had to do something. Ms Nduneni-Ngema and Justine Lipson from the Joburg Theatre didn’t hesitate when I proposed this idea. A big thank you goes to them both.”
Subsequent to this Nduneni-Ngema announced that the Joburg Theatre, in conjunction with Joburg Ballet, would drive this exciting initiative proposed by MacDonald for all theatre patrons.
“And I’m delighted to confirm that both the Soweto Theatre and Roodepoort Theatre will be joining Joburg Theatre in driving the Joburg Ballet Warmer Winter Drive initiative over the next month,” she said.
With the objective being to collect as many blankets, scarves and socks as possible from theatre patrons and others, large receiving containers will be placed in the foyers of the participating theatres.
The drive will coincide with Joburg Theatre’s productions: Kunene and the King, The Drakensberg Boys Choir and the McCoy Mrubata double album launch, and of course Joburg Ballet’s La Traviata -The Ballet (1-10 July); while at the Roodepoort Theatre Jozi Youth Dance (21-26 June), WLFDA – 30 June and Le Nezzo di Figaro (1-16 July) will be on stage over the next month. Soweto Theatre is hosting the Arise Hope concert (18 June), Ho Phethehile Church Choir (19 June), Luxury Sedans and Slay Queens (25 June).
All blankets, scarves and socks collected will be distributed by The Angel Network to its beneficiaries.
Spread some warmth this winter by blanketing those in need of warmth. Bring any extra, unused scarves, pairs of sock and blankets – large, medium or small – when you come to the theatres – every little bit helps!
