Ukwanda Design & Puppetry is a NotForProfit arts collective based in Cape Town, South-Africa.
We are riding bikes from Plettenberg bay to Stellenbosh to raise funds for their program. We hope to convince you that they are both deserving and exciting to support. They are not a charity. They are not based in the UK. They are connected to us in London by association with the Handspring Puppet Company who were instrumental in creating the Warhorse production at The National Theatre. We have been fortunate to have known Handspring for decades. Their creative output and friendship has provided us with joy and cultural dividends of embarrassing richness. Bringing this group of young Puppet creatives to your attention is an opportunity to share some of that.
Story telling is at the heart of theatre. Telling authentic stories is at the heart of Ukwanda’s agenda. Providing support for this group who have already proven themselves a source of original and compelling contemporary reflection equals a chance to invest in the growth of new stories, particularly those from the margins.
Our cycle route passes close to Barrydale where Ukwanda have worked on the summer puppet parade. Similarly their proximity to Handspring and Handspring’s great contributions to London suggests a resonance between us, yourselves and their work.
About our ride: whilst an adventure for unencumbered cycling enthusiasts, two middle aged spreadsheet jockeys with over scheduled young daughters in competitive London schools are entirely unsuited to the task. We have tried to train through the winter, managing less than necessary. Our distances over 8 days feel reasonable but the hill climbs will stretch us painfully. The other cyclists in our small group are seasoned athletes. Perhaps you have some idea of our trepidation.
Finally a word about crowdfunding: Ukwanda are not a charity. We are interested in providing them with resources to work with as they see fit. They have demonstrated the vision and ability to make a success of their projects. They have faced enormous hurdles and continue to rise to their many occasions. Crowdfunding allows us to raise funds from you, our UK network and transfer them to Ukwanda when we reach a reasonable target.
Please take a look at Ukwanda’s facebook page which you will find at the base of this web link: http://www.handspringpuppet.co.za/handspring-trust/ukwanda-design-and-puppetry-collective/
Even a cursory glance will show you some of what they have achieved and an idea of their enormous potential.