ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - There was a lively interest in the annual Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA) which took place at the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre from Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September.
At Cape Town theatres it was also a hit. The SSF, now in its eighth year, is an educational programme aimed at improving language and social skills through the performing arts.
Participating schools prepared and performed a 30-minute abridged version of Shakespeare plays, using creative and artistic license to produce innovative amateur dramatic work. They overcame their shyness and learnt all about script writing, training, staging, technical aspects, rehearsals and post-production feedback.
Thus, learners and educators are equipped to successfully direct and perform their Shakespeare plays. Aspirant actors fared very well this year and theatre manager Heather Stead was gratified at the animated contributions shown in the event.
Performances were attended by schools and proud parents.
Schools celebrating after the Shakespeare School Festival prize-giving on Sunday. Heidedal Primary performed Romeo and Juliet in Afrikaans; Rosemoor Primary did A Midsummer Night's Dream in Afrikaans and Holy Cross Primary performed A Comedy of Errors.
Thembabalethu High's version of Julius Caesar incorporated themes of African politics.
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