WSU DRAMA GROUP AIMS FOR ANOTHER OVATION AT ARTS FESTIVAL

The WSU Butterworth Campus Drama Society brace for another virtuoso performance at the Makhanda National Arts Festival to retain their prestige as winners of the 2022 Standard Bank Ovation Awards.

The Standard Bank -Arts Ovation Awards comprise of a panel of judges who watch, deliberate and recognise all artistic performances at the National Arts Festival Fringe to find gems worth celebrating.

The group’s plot thickens at this year’s Festival performance with a stage play exploring an ancient apocalyptic prophesy that grips the Mbutha Tribe with fear of a looming doomsday. In a quest to find answers, the leadership of the king (King Langa) faces a difficult test of time in foreign lands where unexpected conflict breaks out between men and women. Customary law, tradition, beliefs, and the culture of the nation are challenged. The consequences of the conflict are controversial and deadly.

The group partnered with Gender Sonke Justice in the year 2021 for community-based awareness campaigns concerning Gender Based Violence and other social ills around the Amathole Region.

The team also prepares health education plays and poems in relation to a particular theme as requested by the campus clinic. This became a training ground and confidence booster for the timid.

“When I joined drama, I was shy and could not face people. I can now stand in class and present for my studies.  I have gained self-confidence and self-belief,” said Mihle Nobaza.

The 33 students who comprise the drama group have become family to one another after leaving their homes in pursuit of a better future.

“Drama is my place of refuge from my stress. I find peace within drama. I feel at home and find myself in that place,” said group member and WSU student, Okuhle Ndaba.

The team is Directed by Mr Nkosikhona Mlozini who is the product of the student development program through drama society.

National Arts Festival Schedule

Production name: Mamlambo

Venue: REHEARSAL ROOM (1820 Settlers National Monument)

Dates:

By: Sinawo Hermans