The Amsterdam-based Dogtroep theatre company recently conducted a six-week workshop/laboratory in Durban with eight Durban performing and visual artists at Gunners Arms in Old Fort Road.

This Elizabethan-styled historic hall with its massive stone fireplace was transformed into an experimental theatre venue with a wondrous range of props, costumes and sets. The fare was off-the-wall, whacky and thought-provoking often presenting visual images that were breathtaking. Those who followed the complete six-week process were fascinated with the ever-changing production and constant introduction of new ideas.

During the laboratory, Dogtroep's business director Henk Keizer was at the Vuma Arts Centre presenting workshops on business administration to those who run this struggling but vibrant organisation. These workshops were sponsored by the international accountancy group KPMT.

On the completion of the workshops, Dogtroep and KPMT presented Vuma Arts Centre with a computer, certain theatre lighting equipment and tools with which to make furniture - an innovative gift as the venue has no chairs.

To express their gratitude, the committee that runs Vuma Art Centre hosted a function where they gave the Dogtroep team a selection of gifts which included a large Zulu drums and sticks, two decorated grass mats and three decorated clay pots.