Alex school festival was a huge success, says teacher

The presence of many parents played a large role in the success of this year’s festival, says art teacher Lihle Nene.

October 26, 2023

Sipho Siso 1 minute read

A third Alexandra High School Grade 10 physical theatre production presented at the Annual Sibanda Theatre Festival.

The Alexandra High School’s Annual Sibandla Theatre Festival (ASTF) has been described as a ‘huge success that left a lasting impression’ on both learners and their parents.

These were the words of the school’s art teacher Lihle Nene when he summed up the two-day festival that took place on September 23 and 24 at the school premises. The playbill included physical theatre performances and a visual art exhibition, in which the Grade 10s pitched with 55 art pieces, Grade 11s with four, and the Grade 12s with 23.

Another Alexandra High School Grade 10 physical theatre production presented at the Annual Sibanda Theatre Festival.

Nene said the artwork that formed the exhibition was a collection of the learners’ year-long work which was also graded for the year’s practicals that appear in the learners’ final exam mark for term three.

“I am delighted that the learners are developing year after year as evidenced in the quality and amount of artwork on display compared to the previous years. I’m really impressed by the role played by the Grade 12s who were part of last year’s festival as they inspired the newcomers with superb artwork in the exhibition,” Nene said.

The Grade 10s of Alexandra High School were the busiest of all as they presented another physical theatre production, this time in chorus.

Launched in 2018, Nene said he was equally delighted by the interest shown in the festival by external companies which included the Joburg Theatre, which donated some lights and a sound system. “Their support is greatly appreciated and hope we can broker a long-term relationship,” he added.

The take-home for Nene from the festival was the involvement of the parents which he said demonstrated their level of involvement and the much-needed support for their children, including the visits by professors from the various universities who came to witness the festival.

This is an Alexandra High School Grade 10 physical theatre production presented at the Annual Sibanda Theatre Festival.

Nene commended the staff of the school and its learners, Botho Molahloe, Peterson Mathabatha, Thabiso ‘Trigger Heart’ Maredi, Obakeng Mantoedi, Noko Mochaki, and Utnubu Movement’s Siphesihle ‘Somnyama’ Ndlovu and Siyabonga Mzilankatha Pelotana, staff of the Alexandra Theatre Company Academy, Bab’ uNsele, Ntando Makhubela, Aubrey ‘Bra Obs’ Ndaba, Bra Enos of Joburg Theatre, Molatelo ‘Lola’ Maphala, and Bonandzile Beyise Dlamini.