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The Inner City High School Drama Festival pits learners from 14 schools against each other, with their dramatic talent under scrutiny.
LEARNERS from inner city high schools sat engrossed in their seats as they cheered, laughed and applauded their peers on stage, who were taking part in a variety of productions.
The stage itself was filled with props made by the learners, which added life to the productions, while those in the audience, all dressed in their school uniforms, shouted their approval.
The Inner City Drama Festival is an exciting affair, featuring 14 drama groups
Now under way at the Hillbrow Theatre, the Inner City High School Drama Festival gives learners a platform to showcase their talent. It is the fifth year of the festival, and this year runs from 8 to 12 September.
Plays being performed at the festival include Maputo, All The Hobos, We Are Not Asking For Favours, Just One Earth, 19 Something and Changes.
The theme this year is "I am human because I belong," a quote from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, which encompasses many themes and ideas. The most important of these was the development of self-worth and respect for our fellow human beings, said Gerard Bester, the creative facilitator at the Hillbrow Theatre Project.
Each school of the 14 participating schools is able to perform once, and those who stand out are chosen for the finals on Saturday, 12 September. The panel of three judges includes Carol Selepe, a Soweto born actress, singer and dancer. She has appeared in productions such as Woman in Spirit, Bound by Love and Soul Buddies.
Lindiwe Hlophe, the second judge, has performed nationally and internationally and has appeared in the film Ace Ntsoelengoe, directed by Mbongeni Ngema. She has also worked in many theatre productions.
Thabiso Mhlamvu, the final judge, is the founder of Thol'ulwazi Theatre Project, established in 1999. He is an actor, poet, scriptwriter, director and choreographer.
Arts Alive, the City's month-long arts fest, had also recognised the importance of the drama festival, said Bester. It had offered to support the learners by sponsoring book voucher prizes for each of the awards.
The awards comprise first, second, third and fourth best production, best actress in a lead role, best actor in a lead role, best actress in a supporting role, best actor in a supporting role, best performance in a cameo role, best overall presentation and best ensemble. There is also an audience award.
The Hillbrow Theatre Project was an initiative of the Lutheran Community Outreach Foundation, which aimed to serve the community, Bester explained, by creating a peaceful haven where people could be empowered through skills transfer and education while allowing personal healing to take place.
Previously known as the Andre Huguenot Theatre, the Hillbrow Theatre was established to offer after-school cultural programmes to youth who live in or attend schools in Hillbrow and the inner city.
For further information on the Inner City High School Drama Festival, contact Gerard Bester on 011 726 2961 or Qhubani Marvellous Malinga on 011 725 5413.
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