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Unique musical production re-awakens lost culture in a South African rural community

Youth – and community development to improve quality of life in communities across South Africa, are a key cornerstone of Dreamcatcher South Africa’s work. The cultural identity of the community of Melkhoutfontein has been hidden for a long time, causing uncertainty about their ancestry and their legacy. Identity emerges during childhood as children start to comprehend their self-concept, and remains a profound and consistent aspect throughout challenges and stages of their lives. This year we embarked upon a unique project in the form of a musical. Performed by the children, youth and community mothers (Kamammas) who want to raise funds for the children and the local school. Practising in the street, or wherever they could find a spot in the community, they will re-awaken their ancestry, the writer, encouraged by the actors, aptly named OOP HOK (OPEN CAGE).

 To tell a story, it needs a message. The musical shares the evolutionary history of the ‘KhoeKhoen’, today globally recognised as the first known nation who lived close to the southernmost tip of Africa. Containing profound messages, it clarifies and provides warnings and signs of how the descendants of the ancient KhoeKhoen got to be where they are today.  The theatre project follows the commitment to values of what Dreamcatcher stands for when it comes to realise concretely, the hopes and aspirations of challenged communities. 

Re-awakening their culture provides the opportunity to the Kamammas (community mothers) and youth of Melkhoutfountein to express themselves in unique ways, never done before. Oop Hok (open cage) share their ancestry and challenges thousands of years ago and how they overcame them then moves to the historical developments and challenges they face today, and their efforts to innovate and overcome time travelling through ancient to newest walks of life in the community of Melkhoutfontein.

The Oop Hok performance will take place on the 26th of April in the Melkhoutfontein Primary School Hall at 3 pm. Produced by Dreamcatcher SOUTH AFRICA NPC, the lively production is guaranteed to move you  – not only back to the past, but into the future.  The production Ideated and brought to life in the community of Melkhoutfontein, has been made possible by Dreamcatcher founder, Anthea: Writer, Ally: Co-writer, Choreographer and Director, committed youth and Kamamma actors, Elmordine: Assistant choreographer, Gerty Felkers, Nisi Kortje, Costumes. M.Condello: Poster design and development.

Proceeds from the production go towards youth development in Melkhoutfontein and the local Primary School. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Elmordine on WhatsApp: 077 419 8824

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