Matric drama class wins at FEDA
The Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA) is the most prestigious high school one-act play festival in Gauteng, celebrating excellence in dramatic arts from the best drama departments. The schools competing in FEDA included St John’s College, St Benedict’s College, St Stithians Boys’ College, St Mary’s Girls, Reddam House, King David Victory Park and many other amazing competitors.
FEDA is made up of two festivals: the original plays sestival and the scripted play festival. Thereafter, the finalists compete for the best FEDA production overall.
This year, the matric dramatic arts class of St Peter’s took on the daunting task of entering the FEDA original plays festival. The choice made was to create an ensemble postmodern production looking into the identity of President Jacob Zuma from different perspectives (both positive and negative), thereafter deconstructing the concept of ubuntu and looking at the role we play as South Africans when it comes to taking accountability for where we are currently as a nation. The subject matter was daring, moving, playful and irreverent, and challenged each member of the audience on multiple levels. The matric drama students not only showcased phenomenal work and received two full standing ovations; they also won the title of Best Original Production and won the FEDA original plays festival, making history at St Peter’s College. The students put in a lot of time, were passionate about their work and reaped the rewards in the end. I would like to thank all the lighting and sound technicians, Nana Aikins, Jordan Nitch and Kian van der Walt, and stage manager Joshua Leroni.
The winners of the original plays festival at FEDA 2015 are:
Directors
Takalani Ralephata
Jenna Pitt
Lighting
Nana Aikis
Cast
Thanduxolo Mthembu
Tinotenda Mungadzi
Orisa Wymers
Caitlin Moorhouse
DeveN Archary
Hira Lodhi
Brett Ilsley
Joe Odame
Koketso Rapoo
Celine Young
Nandi Mbeta