This community project involves children and adults from all over the Mangaung area and is coordinated by Creare Training Centre. Ester Jones and John-Dean Knell joined Yolanda Maartens on the OFM Art Beat to discuss the auditions for this year’s production.

They invite young and old to get involved in their production, which will be showcased in May. 

Creare is the Latin and Italian verb meaning “to create” or “to make”, and is the root of the English word “create” and related terms like “creation” and “creator”.

‘Healing of Hearts’ 2026

The stage of the Sand du Plessis Theatre has long served as a canvas for Creare’s most profound messages.

In years past, the theatre hosted the powerful production Blood Speaks. The interpretation of the bloodshed on the cross of Christ is the objective message that speaks of reconciliation, forgiveness, freedom, and harmony between people, replacing the narrative of revenge with a message of reconciliation and freedom. 

This was followed by the 2023 success, Hope in the House, where 400 participants demonstrated that stability is possible for families even in times of global upheaval.

A Creare production on stage in the Sand du Plessis Theatre. Photo supplied

These previous works provided the foundational 20% for what is now set to be their most significant undertaking yet: Healing of Hearts.

Currently, children across the globe – from Gaza and Ukraine to Ethiopia – are facing the devastating effects of war and displacement. Creare identifies a growing risk that these young lives may be shaped by bitterness and hatred, leading to a destructive future.

The upcoming production Healing of Hearts seeks to challenge this trajectory. It operates on the conviction that every life is precious and worthy of being nurtured. The performance will highlight the truth that healthy, peaceful destinies are attainable for every family when the cycle of trauma is broken.

‘Blood Speaks’ by Creare at the Sand du Plessis Theatre. Photo supplied                   

Vision built on grace

The production tells that true vision and strategy cannot flourish in a state of crisis; instead, they must be birthed from a place of hope. This hope is not found in conflict or conquest, but through the grace and forgiveness offered by the Author of Life, Jesus Christ. 

By finding peace within oneself and extending it to others, the Healing of Hearts becomes a reality that can transform entire nations.

Creare is inviting the community and local students to be part of this massive theatrical event. Participants will gain invaluable exposure to the arts by performing in a major production at the Sand du Plessis Theatre.

Event details

• Production: Healing of Hearts

• Venue: Sand du Plessis Theatre

• Dates: 14, 15, and 16 of May 2026

Through this collaboration, Creare aims to empower hundreds of young people to share a message of tolerance and hope with the world.

The following procedures are general guidelines on how the “build up” to the production will work, and how you can be involved with one or many items or scenes in the show, and with only a few or many participants. 

1. PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORS: 

 Acting: Jolene du Plessis 084 809 1023 

Mime: John-Dean Knell 083 369 3105 

Choirs: Tarien Broodryk 071 201 6565 and Herman Smit 083 702 6541 

Dance: Ester Jones 082 442 1828 

 2.  WHO CAN JOIN THE PRODUCTION CAST AND CREW?

• Primary and high school students  (sever years and older) 
• Young adults, working adults, and the elderly  

‘Healing of Hearts’ 2026.