Trash Truck - South Africa

The presentation - entitled "War on Waste" - is played out on an open flat-bed garbage truck that is parked on school grounds or at community centres. The physical presence of this large truck is meant to arouse children's curiosity, making them more receptive to the ideas that are presented. A cast of ten actors use music, dance, and mime to relay a simple story about a poor family that generates extra income by collecting waste. The actors generate audience participation by teaching songs and asking for suggestions about waste management. A litter clean-up follows the performance. The play highlights the importance of preserving the environment and suggests ways in which this goal might become part of daily life.

After each performance at a school, teachers of natural sciences and life skills are identified and provided with teaching packs for use in the classroom. This support material includes planned lessons with supplementary materials.

To reinforce the impact of the performance, Sibikwa returns to schools and community centres to conduct three follow-up workshops that establish environment committees or support those already in existence. The participants decide the content of the workshop.

Environment, Children, Youth.

Thirty performances took place at 21 primary schools and 11 high schools in Actonville, Daveyton, Wattville, Etwatwa, and Benoni over a span of three weeks, reaching 20,000 students.

Since its inception in 1988, the Sibikwa Community Theatre Project has used the performing arts as a medium to highlight social, economic, and political issues - with environmental preservation a central focus. Sibikwa facilitates workshops and hosts performances locally, nationally, and internationally. Based in Benoni, Sibikwa's prime area of concern is the communities on the East Rand. It works through partnerships with local communities and officials.