Grassroots
Few organisations can afford art, but few can afford to be without it
What is Grassroots?
Grassroots is a performing arts organisation from Bulawayo, South Western Zimbabwe. It was established in 1990 and specialises in Theatre for Development using dance, drama and music as a process towards informing and empowering local communities in Zimbabwe and abroad. It aims to:
- Educate local communities to identify the root causes of their predicaments and limitations.
- Stimulate community action to break the poverty circle that dictates the social economic vulnerability of the poor.
- Foster international understanding about global development issues embracing poverty
International Work
Every autumn, several members of Grassroots visit the UK and give workshops and performances at schools, colleges, youth and community centres, arts venues, churches and YOI/prisons throughout the country.
Our regional programmes are set up by voluntary organising committees, made up of local residents, and focus on fostering an awareness of international development issues and the culture of Zimbabwe. Grassroots currently have strong voluntary partnerships in London, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Tyneside.
Workshops & Performances
Whether you are an educational institution or entertainment venue, Grassroots can offer a number of flexible workshops/performances according to your needs. Grassroots has experience of working with a wide range of audiences and venues. Below are some examples of areas that Grassroots has previously focused on during its international in the UK:
"Educationally and aesthetically extremely worthwhile, as an introduction to the culture of Zimbabwe, worth every second"
Susan Halon, Thorpe House School
Key Stage 1 & 2
- Story-telling
- Children's games
- Instrumentation
- Traditional dance, music and drumming
Key Stage 3
- Global citizenship
- Environmental issues
- Domestic duties for children
- Dance, music & drumming
"I think the preformance challenged many students and lecturers to rethink their role in development"
Ken Cole, Development Economist, UEA
GCSE/A Level
- Traditional marriage
- Gender equality
- Racism
- Traditional & contemporary dance
- Musical harmonies
Special Needs
- Dance choreography
- Music & drumming
"What you performed really made me think and has helped me look to the future"
Saul. HMP Norwich Remand Centre
YOI/Prisons
- Confidence building workshops
- Positive role model exercises
- Roots and culture
- Dance, music and drumming
Churches
- Role of church in Zimbabwe
- HIV/Aids
- Racism
Professionalism
Grassroots has over 10 years experience, working professionally with NGOs, statutory bodies and private businesses in Zimbabwe and overseas
Ephson Ngadya, Grassroots Coordinator, has an MA in Theatre for Development from King Alfred's College in Winchester
All other performing artists are chosen according to their skills, creativity and personality
Fees & Availabilty
Grassroots are available for half-day and full-day workshops, one-off performances or can devise a programme lasting a set period
The performing troupe have their own set of instruments, but cannot provide musical instruments for large groups of people. Although we will be generous with what we have, we urge venues to arrange additional instruments, i.e. drums, shakers, and bells to enable greater participation. In the case of dance workshops, we advise participants to wear loose clothing and sports trainers.
For a list of current prices please contact us
Our Vision
Grassroots vision is to realise an environment where our individual and collective identies, values and traditions are shared across tribes , race and religion through the arts in pursuit of human development.
Contact Details
Website: www.grassrootstheatre.com
