Barefeet Theatre

Barefeet Theatre produces, stages and performs a series of events throughout the year. Their calendar culminates in October every year with the Barefeet Festival showcasing theatrical events across the country.

You can hire Barefeet Theatre for your own event. Hire rates are negotiable and proceeds (after paying the artists) go back into Barefeet programs.

Through their performances the Barefeet Theatre group aim to communicate, engage with and support children who are most at risk of breaking away from their supporting communities. The organisation gives vulnerable children encouragement, hope and a voice, offering them an alternative to street life. Since it began in 2006, Barefeet Theatre has impacted the lives of more than 2,000 children and young people.

Performances are based on:

• Issue based drama
• Political satire

Barefeet Theatre offers vulnerable children an opportunity to have their voices heard, giving them a channel to express themselves and discuss topics and issues that are important to them. It also provides a forum to disseminate information on important health, safety and personal development topics.

Barefeet Theatre is made up of young artists, many of whom were formerly on the streets. Some also work as facilitators and managers within the organisation. Currently, Barefeet Theatre has more than 30 members in Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola, Kabwe and Livingstone.

Barefeet Theatre encourages the versatility of its artists in creating relevant and vibrant new work. Workshop facilitators and children together produce several performances during the year, culminating in the annual 'Barefeet Festival' every October.

Barefeet programmes working with the children

Barefeet Theatre also works with one of its partners to provide Compound Tours in Lusaka. Tours can be tailor made to include a market walk, traditional brew sampling and visits to a traditional healer, a local home and a Barefeet Theatre centre.

Get involved

To visit a show, commission a performance, book a compound tour, or donate, contact Barefeet Theatre.