In April 2023, two theater educators were on the road in a 9th grade class (Hainberg Gymnasium) to explore the topic of WATER and water supply through artistic methods during intensive three-day project days.

In particular, the constant contact with the project partner in South Africa had an immense influence on the course of the project: Skhumbuzo Dlamini and the initiative Emphiti Empowering Project, which he founded, campaign in their place of origin (Pietermaritzburg in Kwa Zulu Natal) for a mindful use of the local waters and for fair access to drinking water. They carry out their actions directly in the villages, in the rivers around Pietermaritzburg. Their dance-activist performances are rooted in traditional rituals, they use spiritual practices for their artistic work and thus connect with their audience. In talks with politicians, the group also tries to fight for a change of the local conditions with the means at their disposal.

With the students in Göttingen, the members of the initiative discussed the privatization of groundwater and the possibilities/limits of art and activism through video conferences.

The project days create a deepening awareness about the extremely different situation and access to drinking water globally. We support concretely and directly the work of the initiative of Dlamini in Pietermaritzburg and discuss with the students in Göttingen how we can take over our responsibility as causers of the climate crisis. Always in the belief that even small steps help to further the transformation process.

Further project days at schools are being planned.
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested!