Amoyo Foundation Brings Transformative Musical Stargazing to Artscape Theatre

In the heart of Hout Bay, a remarkable story of resilience, creativity, and youth empowerment has been unfolding for over a decade. The Amoyo Foundation, an after-school educational program focused on life skills and performing arts, has been quietly transforming young lives through dance, drama, and music. Now, they're bringing their journey to the big stage with their original musical production "Stargazing" at the Artscape Theatre on March 28th and 29th, 2025.

A Safe Haven Through Performing Arts

For more than ten years, Amoyo Foundation has provided a comprehensive performing arts program for children who otherwise couldn't afford extracurricular activities. The foundation covering a diverse range of disciplines:

 

Cultural dancing

African and gumboot dancing

Ballet

Contemporary fusion

Street dance

Speech and drama

Singing

Musical theatre

 

But Amoyo's impact extends far beyond teaching performance skills. At its core, the foundation operates on a philosophy of appreciation, creating a safe environment where children aged 6-19 can develop essential life skills, core values, and a strong work ethic.

"It's about being a safe place to come to after school," explains one of the foundation's representatives. "We want to build their resilience and their love to invest in themselves. That is the ultimate goal because then you are setting a child up for success."

Stargazing: Dreams Taking Center Stage

The upcoming production "Stargazing" tells the story of a young girl from the community who dreams of becoming a star. Along with friends who share her aspirations, she learns that dreams can become reality with dedication and hard work.

"Stargazing itself is about this little girl who dreams of being a star and has friends that have the same dreams," shares Mandisa. "She is the one pushing her friends as well, saying that we can be something in this world. We don't have to dream small. We can be big dreamers."

This will be Amoyo's first full production at the prestigious Artscape Theatre. While some students have performed there during annual dance festivals, this marks the first time they'll command the entire stage for three days. The news brought both excitement and nervousness to the young performers, many of whom have never experienced such a significant platform.

Creating a production that showcases children ranging from 6 to 19 years old presents unique challenges, but the Amoyo team has embraced them with characteristic determination.

"Our mission is to make sure that each child shines on the stage”. "We have created 'Stargazing' in such a way that each group, regardless of age, will get to shine at some point, whether through a song, a scripted scene, or a dance."

The team recognizes the individual abilities of their beneficiaries and serves as their "biggest cheerleaders," especially for children who feel overwhelmed by being given lead roles. Their constant encouragement—"We know you can do it. We believe in you. Trust in our process"—helps replace negative thought patterns with confidence.

The foundation's work has literally saved lives, according to testimonials on their website. By providing structure and purpose during vulnerable after-school hours, Amoyo has helped many youths avoid social challenges like teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and gangsterism.

"We want the audience to understand the journey of Amoyo," explains Kim. "Even though we don't have the beautiful training facility, studios with mirrors and bars—sometimes our classes take place on the tarmac outside if we don't have a studio—as a team, we don't compromise our professionalism. We're telling our children that we will show up for you no matter what, and you need to show up for yourselves."

For those inspired by Amoyo's work, there are numerous ways to support their mission:

Make a financial donation (tax-deductible certificates available)

Help companies direct CSI budgets toward youth development

Run workshops for the children

Provide career insights and mentorship

Tutor students

Donate sandwiches and fruit for rehearsals

Follow and share their social media content

 

The foundation values building relationships with donors and seeing the return on investment through the growth of their beneficiaries.

Don't Miss "Stargazing"

"Stargazing" will be performed at the Artscape Theatre on March 28th and 29th, with evening shows priced at R180 and a matinee on the 29th at 2 PM for R80. Tickets are available through Webticket or at any Pick n Pay store.

Special arrangements can be made for schools and nonprofits interested in group bookings—reach out directly to Amoyo to discuss options that suit your budget.

Connect with Amoyo Foundation

 Website: www.amoyo.org

Click on the video to hear more about Amoyo Foundation

Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer: Lydia M