Hector Petersen Secondary School pupil Anathi Mthetho was named the best actor and Victoria Williams from Goliath Davids Arts Academy won best actress at Artscape’s High School Drama Festival.
The 2017 high school drama festival was held on Saturday last week, with the aim of giving pupils across the Western Cape an opportunity to test their creative skills on stage.
The festival was initiated and co-ordinated by Artscape’s School Liaison Unit.
The purpose of the event was to promote social cohesion, good citizenship and empowerment through arts.
Chris Hani High School pupil Siphesihle Ntantini was awarded the best supporting actor award while Wilmarie McThomas from Worcester Secondary School won the best supporting actress.
Lunga Silevu from Masibambane High School received the adjudicators' award for most promising actor.
Best script and best director went to Skaakmat#eskishoi by Goliath Davids Arts Academy while the best technical category went to Hector Petersen Secondary School.
From 36 hopeful applicants, Artscape selected 16 finalist.
They spent four days showcasing their talents in an audition (mini-festival) from August 14-17 in front of the adjudication panel.
The panel included Sticks Mdidimba, Ilne Fourie, Kay Smith, Riaan Visman and Lesley Manim.
Artscape marketing and communications senior manager Simone Heradien said all the schools in the competition had produced high-quality shows.
“All the schools showed so much talent and they tackled all the topical social issues that we currently face as a nation.
"The winners will have the chance to be members with the Artscape Resource Centre.”
The director of the Inclusive Arts Unit, Thokozile Ntshinga, said: “This is a momentous occasion with so many groups participating.
"This opportunity is afforded to young people who might see drama as a future career.”