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THE Guild Theatre has begun to take the performing arts to disadvantaged and rural communities with its state-of-the- art theatre truck.

The truck, “Access to the Arts”, was donated by the Transnet Foundation as part of its investment in communities – aimed at contributing towards the growth of arts and culture in the country.

In celebrating its launch at the weekend, the mobile performers put on their first performance on Saturday, with an audience entertained by the Guild Theatre Dance Company, local musical group Amandla Esandla, and East London-born gospel singer Mncedi Liwani.

Among the audience was a group of children from Duncan Village, who were enthralled by the performances, having never seen a theatre production before.

The truck was also used yesterday, when local outfits including Alan Webster’s jazz group, Urban Connection and Township Connection, mesmerised Mdantsane residents at the Mdantsane City Mall.

Susie Mabie of the Transnet Foundation said a legacy of SA’s past was that access to the arts was limited because of the absence of theatres in disadvantaged communities.

She said the impact of this lack of access was twofold – it deprived affected communities from accessing SA’s wealth of talent, and deprived artists of the opportunity to perform in those communities.

“The truck is bringing commitment to the communities – that they will access the arts, and the truck is there to move arts within the Eastern Cape,” said Mabie.

She said she hoped the theatre truck would be the beginning of new things, allowing for the creation of art and entertainment within the Eastern Cape, “... but that will need commitment, dedication and hard work from all”.

The truck comes fully equipped with audio and visual facilities, and will also be equipped with a generator.

It is one of five stationed at theatres around the country.

With the theatre truck, the Guild will be able to host concerts in communities across the province.

Not only will it be a stage for artists, it will also be used at schools – and will be hired out to raise funds for its maintenance.

Head of the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Bubele Mfenyana said the province was rich in talent, but needed opportunities for this talent to be exposed.

The theatre truck would help create such opportunities.

“We are very proud about the initiative because it will afford opportunity to all so that they can be further developed in arts,” said Mfenyana.

He congratulated the Guild team, saying: “The team has visionary leaders who always find ways of making things, and today we are celebrating their vision”.

Guild community engagement co-ordinator Germaine Gamiet said: “The Guild is proud that this is finally happening, and today we celebrate the growth of arts in the area. We promise to promote arts in the rural areas.” — By XOLISA MGWATYU, Lifestyle Reporter. xolisani@dispatch.co.za