Transforming young lives through performing arts

A Gauteng-based theatre organisation is transforming the lives of young South Africans through the performing arts. 

The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) aims to grow the next generation of leaders through engaging performance arts, original and instructive musicals, and captivating after-school programmes.

It was established in 1989 as Johannesburg Youth Theatre but was renamed NCT in 2005. 

NCT Chief Executive Officer Tamara Guhrs told Vuk’uzenzele that the organisation’s vision is of a country in which all children have the right to access inspiring live theatre experiences and quality arts programming. 

“This enables them to develop self-expression, confidence, and empathetic and ethical leadership,” said Guhrs. 

The organisation prides itself on bringing engaging, award-winning theatre and education to young learners in cities and rural areas across the country.

It presents a live theatre all year round at its campus in Parktown in Johannesburg. 

The campus includes two indoor theatres, an outdoor theatre, a puppet theatre, a music room, and classrooms for weekend workshops and holiday camps. 

“NCT produces about eight productions each year, and has won Naledi Awards for the best production for children and young audiences in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024,” explained Guhrs. 

Each year, the NCT reaches over 100 000 young learners through award-winning plays, theatre education workshops and camps, its Shakespeare Festival and Young Directors Festival. 

Guhrs said each year, the Shakespeare Festival attracts thespians from across the country, who present to parents, friends and fans, and compete for prizes.

“This helps to build their capacities for creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The NCT is a rich talent pipeline for the South African theatre world,” Guhrs said. 

Celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy

Guhrs said over the past three decades, the stories that South African artists tell have shifted from outright protest theatre to more diverse explorations of what makes the country unique and resilient. 

“We draw on our diverse heritages to create vibrant theatre that is always incredibly well received internationally. NCT showcases world class international scripts, as well as local content.

“It is great that we live in a country where freedom of expression is alive, and we have been able to defend our democracy. It’s worth remembering that theatre played an important role in bringing about liberation, taking South African stories to the world,” she said. 

Importantly, in the last few years, the arts community and business are becoming alert to the fact that the creative industries have the potential to be a powerful contributor employment opportunities, she conclude.