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NMCD Productions "The right to choose" returns from Monaco.
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NMCD Productions "The right to choose" returns from Monaco. NMCD Productions"The Right to Choose", Sancta's entry into the 13th International Festival Du Mondial in Monaco, returns successfully from Monaco. The production that represented The SA National Community Theatre Association (SANCTA) in the 13th 4 - yearly prestigious Festival du Mondial in Monaco, run by IATA, "The Right to Choose" written by J Dan Fitzgibbons, Arja Salafranca and Michael White and Produced by Noel Mc Donald for NMCD Productions for The Good Companions Dramatic Society of Florida has just returned after two very successful and well received performances at this festival together with 23 other international countries from as far afield as Cuba, United States, United Kingdom, many other W. European and ex E. European countries such as Slovakia, and Japan - to name a few. We played in the ultra modern Princess Grace Theatre, whose management and technical staff pulled out all stops to part build us a set and provide us with almost every piece of furniture and props we required and do a light and sound technical in 2 ½ hours!! The cast and crew were made up of 6 South Africans and three of their children now living in England, all of whom started as youngsters with The Good Companions. The play struck a chord especially with French speaking people and women generally with its dramatic and "no win situation" ending and was complemented on tackling very difficult, delicate but topical issues of womens' rights, abortion, adoption and lesbianism. It was chosen specially as it was felt to be visually understandable, rather than text reliant, bearing in mind many countries represented there didn't speak English. At the hour long "adjudication" session next day comprised of three world wide adjudicators and where the other countries could also express their views, it was felt - if anything - the play possibly went a bit too far in over - trying to express the visual effect. The message of the play came across in the acting and the cast were continually being congratulated by participants and audience all week. The "troupe" had to attend the play adjudications and workshops, so there was also a learning element to the festival. There was lots of fun and glamour of course - The welcome reception by the Mayor of Monaco in the Botanical Gardens, The "Rouge et Blanc" Gala dinner preceded by a brand new musical production from the Monaco Theatre School and attended by the new Sovereign of Monaco - HSH Prince Albert - at the Monaco Sporting Club; an official luncheon hosted for us by The SA Honorary Consul, Mr Jaques Orecchio; the final night closing dinner and dance and most importantly for the troupe - receiving their magnificent Participation Trophy after the first performance. Every evening, a couple of the countries entertained us with song, dance and food from their country at the festival village. SA went all out with the ladies in skirts of traditional SA animals, plants and playing African instruments. The men had Zulu headgear, loincloths, shields, arms and footwear. We opened by saying "hello" in all the official languages, sang the National Anthem and a couple of popular African and English songs and gave a short explanation on SA, its different cultures and languages. Thereafter, we poured "Springbokkies" - Amarula and peppermint liqueur, SA beers and KWV brandy and had biltong, SA dried fruit and other different typical SA foods. All in all, our evening was a great hit. The most positive aspect was naturally the ability to meet, mix and make friends with people of different cultures from all over the world and tell them about SA and the opportunity and experience of being part of an exceptionally well organized international festival will never be lost or forgotten. Noel also attended the 3 day 51st IATA conference on behalf of Sancta, who is South Africa's official representative and a positive future was posted for the organization and its expansion into the next decade. A huge thank you to IATA/AITA for the opportunity, to Monaco for a memorable festival and to the cast and crew that did SANCTA and SA proud. This production will be performed as part of the 26th Annual Sancta Festival on 24th August at Wits Downstairs Theatre. The Festival runs from 22nd-27th August and a full - length family farce "Who Goes Bare", by Boksburg Arts and Theatre Society is running from 18th -20th August. Booking for both at Computicket. For any details on the Sancta festival contact Noel Mc Donald 011 475 3584 / 083 309 4315. |