Sacred Heart College drama students sparked emotions with their tribute play Mgcineni Noka Has Fallen at the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts 2019 (FEDA) which was held at Joburg Theatre complex from May 6 to 25.
The play received an award for being most inspirational.
The CEO of the market theatre, Ismail Mohammed, said Sacred Heart raised issues that are affecting the community on a daily basis and that was inspirational.
“We believe that theatre must raise our consciousness about our past, make us critical of our present time and give us the courage to re-envision the kind of future that we want,” said Mohammed.
“I believe that after 14 years it is time for FEDA to have a runner-up award. I am delighted, in my personal capacity, to contribute a prize towards the production that has spoken more articulately than our politicians can. The play may not have been staged in a stadium, or been amplified to thousands or been broadcast to millions but it has touched us in our hearts and minds. It was an honour to award Sacred Heart College’s production Mgcineni Noka Has Fallen the runner-up award,” said Mohammed.
The drama group said they are proud and honoured to be the first group to receive the runner-up award.
“We are touched that the CEO understood and was touched by the story we were telling of the people of Marikana,” said Mathinya Kekena.
The group said the play was inspired by a number of factors from SA’s economy, exploitation of the poor and the impact politics has on the country.
“Noki represented many South Africans and he showed leadership. We wanted to tell his story and the Marikana story in the view of the youth. We wanted to challenge people to do better and also to question issues. We made a call of action to change things and also challenged people to self-reflect,” said Simon van Gaderen.
Mahin Ali said they are grateful for the platform FEDA has afforded drama departments of high schools to showcase their talent.
“To be able to compete with other schools and be able to get feedback from professionals is amazing. We only hope to grow from this. If people are interested in our work we are willing to come. That will also offer us the opportunity to showcase the play that can start a dialogue,” said Ali.
FEDA is held at the Fringe Theatre at the Joburg theatre complex every year.
The festival was launched because there are many outstanding high school drama departments who do not have a platform to showcase their work.
