In its 25th year, 'Funk' continues to generate tremendous excitement and is a firm favourite on the annual school production calendar!

Funk evolved as an idea to create a dance programme for schools with very specific aims. Firstly to unite schools in working towards a common goal; secondly to give Drama students and their teachers the opportunity to create and rehearse pieces of dance theatre for public performance; thirdly, to enable young people to see that movement, dance and dance theatre is accessible to them and not only in the hands of professional adult companies; and finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, to generate meaning and artistic integrity through dance choreography whilst challenging young people to work outside of their comfort zones.

The task for each school remains constant: to create a 6-minute piece of dance choreography integrating any type of musical or textual accompaniment. The programme accommodates a range of choreographic and performance possibilities and provides the perfect opportunity for schools to experiment with new forms. It is also important to emphasise that this platform is not a competition, and should not be seen in the same light as a sports festival or inter-house competition. The highlight of the production is always the mass group Finale which incorporates all the schools together on the stage.

Schools participating include: Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School, Epworth School, Howick High School, Russell High School, St Anne's Diocesan College, St John's D.S.G., St. Nicholas Diocesan School, Michaelhouse, Riverwood College & The Wykeham Collegiate.

Performances take place on 10, 11, 13, 14 & 15 May 2024 at The Theatre - St Anne’s Diocesan College at 7.00 pm. Tickets can be booked via www.quicket.co.za from 23 April 2024.