Namjive is a community based dance, drama, visual art and design project founded by Dawn Langdown, 7 May 1997.
The project was started on 7 May 1997 when Dawn Langdown decided to return to Namaqualand after a successful career at the Jazzart Dance Theatre. Namjive is a dance and visual art Education Project run in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape Province on South African's West Coast. Since its inception, it has operated under Jazzart Dance Theatre, acquiring its Section 21 status in 2005.
This programme has been active in this impoverished rural region since 1997. The Namjive programme specifically target marginalized, unemployed youth, Primary and Secondary School learners in this region. Namjive's programmes involve young people in creative activities aimed at building character, self-esteem and communication ability. Dawn Langdown, the Director, Teacher and Choreographer is assisted by May Wagner, the Project Co-Ordinator / Visual Art and Design Teacher, 1 Administrator, 1 Fundraiser, 6 professional company members as dancers / Visual Art and Design Teachers / Choreographers and 6 trainees that is part of the 3 Year Trainee Programme as trainee dancers / teachers.
Namjive's core business involves teaching the arts & culture curriculum to grades 8 & 9, and Dance, Drama, Design and Visual Art as matriculation subjects to Grades 10 to 12, as well as extra-mural classes in dance, drama and visual art. Namjive established a professional performance company in 2005 in a bid to create unique performing arts aesthetics based on the indigenous Nama-Khoi culture.
Namjive is testament to the positive effect that successful art programmes can have in developing human potential in the harshest of living conditions.
