The (Feda) Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts is being held at Joburg’s Fringe Theatre until Saturday.
The very best drama departments of high schools around Joburg enter each year with this the event’s 10th year. There are many outstanding high school drama departments which did not have a platform to showcase their work. While there were other festivals, they are none for drama specialists.
“Dramatic arts is the fastest-growing subject in education and a higher grade subject,” according to Janet Baylis, who runs the festival and is assisted by Phillipa Sandilands. Both are internal moderators and examiners for the GDE and IEB education departments, respectively.
The standard of work at Feda is high and schools are invited to enter judged on their reputation as a drama department.
“We began with five productions and have 40 this year. Last year we introduced an Original Works section so this past week was student-written work with performers James Cunningham and Athena Mazarakis adjudicating,” explained Baylis.
Baylis, Nat Ramabulana, Phillipa Sandilands and Stephen Kotze are the judges for the published works section, which runs this week, and James Ngcobo and John Trengrove are the judges for the final night on Saturday. The standard of work is described as extraordinary and each year more young writers, directors, and performers showcase their talent. Students who have performed at Feda have moved on to study at UCT, Wits, Afda and even in London and LA. By having new adjudicators for each section, Feda ensures that there is a fresh perspective on the work for each round.
Trophies and certificates are given out every night for excellent work.
Last year, Randfontein won the festival.
For enthusiasts interested in the standard of scholars, tickets are available fromt he Joburg Theatre website at www. joburgtheatre.com at R75.
Schools entered include: Sacred Heart College, St Marys, King David Victory Park, Saheti, St Benedicts, Dainfern, Randfontein, St Stithians Boys, St Stithians Girls, Hyde Park High, Greenside High, Randfontein, Crawford Lonehill, Crawford Sandton, Reddam Bedfordview, St Johns, Kingsmead, Sutherland High, Auora College, St Davids, Beaulieu College, Oprah Leadership School, Helpmekaar, St Teresa’s and Maragon.