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Performing Arts

The Courtyard Theatre began its life in 2002 with a play from a visiting company about domestic abuse. The play, Behind Closed Doors, was followed by an animated discussion. The theatre was officially opened in January 2003 with a live reading of new work by Athol Fugard.

After two successful productions – The Rainbull and The Conference of Birds – playing to packed houses in the Centre’s own Courtyard Theatre, the Bethesda Theatre Company was established. They have performed at the Grahamstown Festival as well as at various schools and nearby theatres. Members of the Company are encouraged to learn all facets of theatre, including writing, directing, theatre design and stage management.

Have you seen? Photos of the Conference of Birds |

© Copyright Bethesda Foundation, Bethesda Arts Centre, 2005
Registered Charity 1089122

The part I played was Partridge, a bird representing imagination in the Conference of Birds. She was a bird that dreamed about jewels, and no-one wanted to believe her. She was getting crazy, because she had to leave all that behind. It was not true, it was all in her mind. She realised that it was not the form of the jewels that was important, but the meanings themselves. I feel that the part was perfect for me, because sometimes I have that big imagination. And I also realise that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Sometimes people look at you and see that you are too young or something, but it is not the way you look but what you can do that really matters.

I want to thank Jeni Couzyn and the whole Bethesda Arts Centre for giving me a chance to show what is in me.

Julia Malgas