Journal Frankfurt News – A stage for education

The English Theater Frankfurt (ETF) is the largest English-speaking theater in mainland Europe. The fact that so many viewers, the majority of whom are not native speakers, attend and understand performances there has to do with a privilege: education. It takes years of learning to understand a foreign language well enough to watch plays in it. So it makes perfect sense that the English Theater and the PROBONO association are committed to educational work in East Africa. Daniel Nicolai, the director of the English Theatre, says: “PROBONO suits us very well because the association is about international exchange, education, language skills and culture. These are issues that are important to the ETF, as demonstrated by our programming for young viewers.”

Unlike the regular program, the program on March 27th will be completely exclusive – an additional incentive to attend the event. One thing is already certain: The ensemble of the musical “Young Frankenstein” will present an hour-long show under the motto “Roles We Never Play”. The performance, like the musical, is accompanied by a six-piece band. Following the first part, PROBONO’s educational work will be presented and finally the program will close with a so-called “Tribute to a Musical Legend”, about which no more will be revealed. “The guests should simply enjoy a great program,” says Daniel Nicolai. “An enchanting program arouses feelings and ensures additional donations.” The entrance fees of 60 euros per person and the additional donations go entirely to the PROBONO association.

PROBONO has been involved in educational work in East Africa since it was founded in 2004. The association supports the purchase of textbooks and teaching materials, supports the construction of classrooms, laboratories and wells. PROBONO also supports teacher training and offers an entrepreneurship and scholarship program for those in particular need. The core of the work, however, lies in the networking of German and East African schools through school partnerships. These partnerships are intended to create personal connections and promote understanding and communication. Andrea Alleker-Fendel, the founder of PROBONO, says: “It was very important to me that we not only support schools in the south, but that our children and young people in Germany are also involved, develop respect and tolerance for other cultures and for questions of global justice are sensitized.”

Among other things, PROBONO supports the construction of classrooms. © PROBONO School Partnerships for One World e. V

In the school partnerships, 62 schools from Germany and East Africa have already joined forces. A number of schools in and around Frankfurt have also made connections to Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya in this way.

The English Theater has been initiating annual benefit events with various partner organizations since 2004. Educational projects like that of PROBONO are supported and advertised. Above all, people should be invited to get involved themselves.

Curtain Up for Education!, English Theatre Frankfurt, Gallusanlage 7, 27.3., 13.30 Uhr, 60 €, www.english-theatre.de

___________________________________________________________________________________

This text first appeared in the March issue (3/22) of the JOURNAL FRANKFURT.

–