Entertainment with a purpose

Since 2001, the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) has been a platform that works with young people to target social issues such as HIV prevention, sexual health, alcohol and drug abuse, stigma and discrimination, through the arts. Director and choreographer Philippe Talavera chats with tjil about the successes of 2017.tjil (T): How was the year 2017 for OYO, what were some of the noticeable accomplishments?Philippe Talavera (PT): We had many programmes in 2017, many more than any other year. We performed 436 times to 150 488 people. To be able to reach those numbers, we actually had to divide the troupe. We created a junior troupe with trainees. This allowed us to reach more schools and more learners. T: What are some things you missed to do last year?PT: We were so busy touring that it was difficult to focus on the personal development of dancers as performers. We also didn't have that much time to create new pieces. Overall, we reached our targets and did a fantastic work. T: What are the plans in motion for OYO 2018? PT: We have unfortunately lost one of our funding partners this year, as the global fund decided not to renew its support to OYO. Therefore we will tour much less extensively. Subsequently, we regrouped the troupe. We won't have two groups touring at the same time. We are managing three big projects this year: the San Matter, the In and Out project and the Growing Strong in the //Karas Region.T: What are some of the plays to premiere this year?PT: Since 2017 we have been doing some work around the issue of child marriage. We realised that child marriage is more prominent than one may think. It is a part of our San Matter project. It is also the theme of a film we produced with the Omega community and we will launch soon. Maria was born from discussion with young girls who were married before completing school and never got a chance to further their studies. But what impact does it have on the girls? Should such practices still exist in the Namibia of today? Those are questions raised by the piece Maria.June Shimuoshili

Entertainment with a purpose

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-02

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Entertainment with a purpose

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-02

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