IT IS no secret that South African arts education and development is nowhere near the level it should be but, thanks to committed individuals such as Mlindelwa "Lilli" Mahlangu, the first steps are gingerly being taken on this daunting journey.Mahlangu was appointed youth development manager at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein earlier this year and has already made great strides in attracting new, younger audiences to the municipality-owned theatre complex. The aim, basically, is to turn theatre-going into a lifestyle and a habit starting at school level — "to bring back awe for the arts", he says. The Joburg Theatre aims to become a more accessible entertainment hub catering to a variety of audiences and tastes, and a nurturing home away from home for up-and-coming performing artists.In addition to its Nelson Mandela and Fringe theatres, it also has the intimate space.com black-box theatre and the recently unveiled Cas Coovadia Studio venue, which cater mainly for amateur groups ...
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