JOBURG THEATRE AND LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE
DEDICATES PERFORMANCE TO NELSON MANDELA DAY

Joburg Theatre and the performers of LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE will be dedicating the performance on Sunday July 18th at 11am, Nelson Mandela Day, to underprivileged children, as a space.com initiative, and as part of the “Nelson Mandela 67 minutes of giving back Campaign”. 

Nelson Mandela has dedicated 67 years of his life to the struggle for human rights so now his foundation, 46664 / Nelson Mandela Foundation, is asking everyone to devote 67 minutes of their lives to a good cause, whether it be an NGO or doing a good deed for someone they know, and Joburg Theatre has heeded the call by staging this additional performance whereby the cast, technical and production team will be donating their services free of charge for this special performance for underprivileged children.

space.com is operated by Joburg Theatre for the primary purposes of being an adaptable space from which the theatre can encourage development of both a love of theatregoing and the skills of the theatre industry amongst the many communities living and working in Joburg.  Priority focus in this regard is given to youth from historically disadvantaged communities.  Close involvement with the many community theatre projects active in the townships of Joburg is encouraged. 

Says Jabu Gwebu, Community Development Manager of space.com at Joburg Theatre,
“We at space.com have worked very hard to ensure that the youth who have an interest in the arts get the opportunity to use Joburg Theatre, be it to perform or watch some of the world class shows presented there, so we are very excited to be able to stage this event and celebrate Mandela Day with young people from diverse backgrounds.  I hope this will be an experience of a lifetime for them all.”

Grateful thanks go to UK’s Spirit Productions and producer David King for generously providing this performance of LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE for this purpose.

The children enjoying this performance will be from the National School of the Arts, Soyikwa Arts Academy (Benoni and Soweto), ATW (Agulhas Theatre Works), Urban Life Church (Botshabelo), Soweto Mere Community Arts Centre, Kgosi Neighbourhood Foundation, Magic Moments, Downs Syndrome Association of Gauteng and Strathyre Girls Home.

Sponsors have jumped on board to partner the Joburg Theatre in this worthy initiative. Tremendous assistance has been given from Headline Leisure Managements supply chain being Snackworx, Sir Juice and ABI, with Cadburys also assisting in providing chocolates.  These will culminate in delicious snacks being provided to all those children in attendance.

LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE runs in The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from July 15th and the limited season must close on Sunday August 8th 2010.

Tickets are R186, R242, R288 and R335 and are available at Computicket – call (011) 340 8000 / 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com.  
Special discount ticket prices are available for groups of ten or more – call the theatre’s VIP Ticketing on (011) 877 6854.

HELP SPREAD THE WARMTH IN JOBURG WITH
JOBURG THEATRE AND LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE
IN AID OF OPERATION SNOWBALL

Bring a blanket to Joburg Theatre in aid of The Star’s OPERATION SNOWBALL.The cast members from LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE are appealing to members of the public and theatre patrons who attend performances to donate a blanket.

Blankets of any size (baby’s, children, single, double, etc) - whether brand new or second-hand blankets (good condition) - are welcome.  The more blankets, the more warmth will be spread around Joburg. The 84 staff members of Joburg Theatre have already donated 84 blankets, which has given the project a wonderful start.

Bernard Jay, Joburg Theatre CEO, says “OPERATION SNOWBALL is a favourite project of ours at the theatre and we are always proud to be associated with it.  The Star cares about the people of Joburg.  And we care too.  We know our audiences will join us in helping those less fortunate than ourselves.” The objective of the “Blanket Drive” is to collect as many blankets as possible, hopefully to build a tower of blankets in the foyer of Joburg Theatre.

LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE is perfect for all the family, with fun and happiness written all over it. The mesmerising show brings you beautiful costumes, dynamic lighting and some of the greatest international talent ever assembled on one stage.   Performances begin in The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on Thursday July 15th 2010 and the limited season must close on Sunday August 8th 2010.

Tickets are R186, R242, R288 and R335 and are available at Computicket – call (011) 340 8000 / 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com.Special discount ticket prices are available for groups of ten or more – call the theatre’s VIP Ticketing on (011) 877 6854. LE GRAND CIRQUE FANTAZIE is presented in South Africa in association with M-Net and Classic 102.7.