Two classics on at NTN

The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) in partnership with the Ministry of Education is bringing to life two of the most acclaimed pieces of literature to Windhoek audiences theatre as part of it’s High School Set-work on Stage Programme.

‘Of Mice and Men’, written by John Steinbeck, is a touching story of two unemployed friends, Lennie and George in depression-era America who are unable to maintain work due to Lennie’s low mental capacity. In this deeply moving tribute to friendship, fate intervenes in a powerhouse of conscience and character.David Ndjavera is directing the play with Sheila Amgabes as assistant director. The cast is made up of some of Namibia’s best known actors including, Lucky Pieters, Steven Afrikaner and Romulus Pieterse.’Things Fall Apart’, by Chinua Achebe is an equally phenomenal novel by one of Africa’s leading novelists. It portrays the collision of African and European cultures with the main character – a typical traditional African man whose downfall results from his own character as well as external forces.Namibian drama veteran, Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong is directing this stage play for the NTN theatre with well-known actors such as Clarence Klazen, Dawie Engelbrecht and Herbert ‘ Boetetjie’ Kavandje.With the High School Set-work Programme, the NTN gives the opportunity for grade 11 and 12 pupils to engage with prescribed texts. ‘Of Mice and Men’ as well as ‘Things Fall Apart’ both form part of the NSSC curriculum for 2012. The plays will enable pupils to better comprehend the stories in preparation for their own external exams.The plays will also appeal to the general public as both these novels are timeless classics.’Things Fall Apart’ will be staged to invited schools today and to the public on June 8 and ‘Of Mice and Men’ will hit the stage to invited schools on June 14 and to the public on June 15. Tickets for the public performances will be available at NTN Box office for adults N$50, senior citizens N$25 and children N$20.For more information, call the NTN Box office at 061 374 416.