Confidence, enthusiasm and excitement filled the atmosphere on day two of the National Schools Festival aspupils eased into their daily activities.
Confidence, enthusiasm and excitement filled the atmosphere on day two of the National Schools Festival aspupils eased into their daily activities.
Indumba –a production by The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative was one of the first shows of the day.
With its superb choreography and intense tribal vibrations, the gasps and whispers by the students proved to be the expected reaction intended by the director, Fana Tshabalala.
“It was really intense. The way they worked together was incredible. I like the music, its different from the kind of music I listen to,” said Stembile Soko from Pretoria High School for Girls, Gauteng.
Without even a second to relax, the students were well on their way to their next planned activity. Laughter and discussion forged new friendships amongst the pupils who were getting to know each other as their talents were revealed.
“We’re not even from the same school,” exclaimed Tamryn Oats from York High School in George.
“It’s nice being around people with the same mind-set. Some people never fully participate in the drama workshops, but here it’s different. Everyone goes crazy.”
However, not every pupil is appreciative of the arts.
In the second production of the day, My Name is Rachel Corrie by Hearts And Eyes Theatre, the entire first row filled with students fell asleep within the first five minutes of the play – sleeping horizontally with their legs on top of each other.
Appalled by this behaviour, Jaqueline Domisse, who plays Rachel Corrie, wasted no time in voicing her disappointment to the teachers of the pupils at the end of the show.
“It’s embarrassing, you should be embarrassed if this is how you think it’s acceptable for [pupils]to act at a theatre show. And if they are tired or want to sleep, let them sleep but not in the theatre in the front row. It is a privilege to be in the front row.”
