Dancers, singers, show-stoppers and stunt-performers will once again have a chance to give the performance of their lives at this year’s PnA Ultimate Performer talent extravaganza in East London.
The extravaganza, often an exciting stepping-stone for those hoping to break into performing arts, has attracted scores of entrants over the years. This year promises to be no different.
Nerina le Roux, event organiser and judge, said Ultimate Performer encouraged the creativity and collaboration of different artforms and gave performers from far and wide an opportunity to be part of something fun and vibrant.
“This is the Ultimate Performer’s ninth year. If you look at where we started and where we are now, it’s just growing and growing. There’s been so much success with the previous winners and the show is no longer just for East London. It’s attracting people from as far as Kynsna and Jeffreys Bay,” she said.
Le Roux said this year’s prizes amounted to R50,000, along with medals and an unforgettable experience for all.
Another memorable feature in this year’s line-up was the return of the category for disabled persons. The category was first introduced last year, and Le Roux said it was maintained in order to make people living with disabilities feel loved and appreciated too.
Pupils from Parklands Special School in Beacon Bay have been the only group to participate in this category so far.
Le Roux said they were hoping to bring in more schools in a year or two.
Parklands principal Eugene Marais said the pupils were “extremely excited to be participating again”.
“About 30 learners are participating, and they’ll be showcasing items they performed at our school’s annual concert.”
Marais said three groups would be participating – kwela-kwela dancing, a hat song and an individual drama reading.
Le Roux said entries for the talent extravaganza would open on February 23 at PnA stationers in Vincent.
The preliminary round will be held on March 2 and 3 and the final on March 10 at the Guild Theatre...