In October 2007 StorTech, in association with Sun and Symantec, launched a product called The Virtualized Enterprise. The Virtualized Enterprise is a unique approach to data storage and Internet security that is flexible enough to suit the business and budget needs of any organisation. The launch was held at The Kayalami Theatre on the Track and entailed a fabulous breakfast, an in-depth explanation of The Virtualized Enterprise and finally a Q&A with a panel of experts. StorTech was determined to avoid the so-called ‘Death-by-Power Point’ at all cost and went in search of a different, entertaining and effective way to explain The Virtualized Enterprise and all that it has to offer.

StorTech met with The Learning Theatre Organisation and explained their need to bring across the message in a delightful and entertaining way. The result was a 30-minute, uniquely designed industrial theatre production entitled ‘The General: A Modern Fable’. This comical play succeeded in capturing the heart of the message in a gripping tale of a company called ‘Makalane Enterprises’ that is heading for disaster. The audience laughed all through the show as they identified with the crisis that faced Makalane Enterprises.

The all-star-cast of Mpho Malatse, who portrayed Mr Mathebe, the CIO of Makalane Enterprises; Judy Ditchfield playing the part of Mr Mathebe’s secretary and PA Maggie Marais; and Mothusi Magano as the lazy Barry Beyleveld stunned the audience with their humorous, spot-on performances. Throughout the production the talented Mark Richardson, who portrayed the character of dedicated StorTech consultant Clark Kent (and Superman, of course), thoroughly explained the concept of The Virtualized Enterprise.

Any questions regarding the product that lurked at the back of the audience members’ minds were thoughtfully asked by the characters on stage and slowly but surely all the uncertainties were flushed away. At the end of the show it was clear that The Virtualized Enterprise was the best solution for the CIO of Makalane Enterprises and could be just the solution that the actual audience members were looking for!

This proves that theatre can be used as a strategic tool in any organisation. Whether it is product launches, basic education or awareness, or even behaviour change, Industrial Theatre is an effective and fun approach to informing, delighting and guiding the hearts and minds of the audience!