More than 100 learners from six Vaal schools attended a performance of The Skin We Are In at Johannesburg's Market Theatre on 19 March. The production, presented by the Windybrow Arts Centre and Turquoise Harmony Institute, uses storytelling, music and dancing to introduce ideas about race, identity and belonging in an age-appropriate way. It was organised during Anti-Racism Week.
On 19 March, learners from six Vaal schools settled in for a performance of The Skin We Are In at Johannesburg's Market Theatre. The play, an adaptation of a book by Dr Sindiwe Magona and Professor Nina Jablonski, follows a multi-racial group of children working on a school project and navigating religious, racial and cultural differences. It highlights generational racism, self-image and the scientific fact that all humans originated in Africa, serving as a metaphor for social cohesion and nation-building in post-apartheid South Africa. Elements include pantsula dancing, rap battles, recycling themes, and dialogue in Afrikaans, Xhosa and English. Directed by Mosie Mamaregane and adapted by Omphile Molusi, characters like Tim (played by Diego Haimty) and Njabulo (Thabang Chauke) resolve conflict through shared interests in rap music. After the show, actors engaged Grade 4 to 7 children in questions about the themes, prompting high interaction. The schools took the stage to present on human rights and anti-racism, quoting the Bill of Rights and Constitution, with songs and a debate. 'It teaches us to stand up for what is right, even if it is difficult,' said a Grade 7 boy. The outing for 120 learners was arranged by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Gauteng Department of Education's Sebibeng East District during Anti-Racism Week. Aylan Cetin of Turquoise Harmony Institute stated: 'We are trying to inform and practise social cohesion and nation building... we've been focusing on young people because changing the mindset of adult people is impossible.' The production has visited 10 schools over two years, receiving positive feedback. Gerard Bester, head of Windybrow Arts Centre, noted it was originally by Kwasha! Theatre Company. Aroma Lebooa praised its role in developing young artists and creating school tour employment, suitable even for Grade 4 and 5.
