STUDENT production The Fall has been awarded the prestigious Fringe First at this year’s Scotsman Awards.
Presentedweeklyand designed to encourage performers to bring new work to Edinburgh, in the spirit of adventure and experiment, the Scotsman Fringe First Awards celebrate the best new writing on the Fringe.
In the production, seven UCT drama graduates share their experiences during the #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and subsequent student movements’ demonstrations in 2015 and 2016.
The Fall tackles institutionalised racism, patriarchy, colourism, transphobia and class - all within the space of less than 90 minutes.
The successful play is facilitated by Clare Stopford, curated by Ameera Conrad and Thando Mangcu, two members of the ensemble and the dynamic cast comprises Conrad, Mangcu, Oarabile Ditsele, Zandlie Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Sihle Mnqwazana and Cleo Raatus.
On presenting the award, Scotsman's chief theatre critic, Joyce McMillan, said: “What makes this show completely exceptional - not just its energy, not just the live footage that we see of this very recent, and indeed, continuing revolution in South African higher education, and not just the fantastic musical and movement content, which is just completely mind-blowing, beautiful – but also the density and the seriousness of the political arguments which these young people are being forced to address as such an early age.”
