Potchefstroom Girls High’s first-ever House Play Festival held from 19-21 April was a resounding success. Nine unique plays, performed simultaneously in diverse venues, were met with raucous applause from its audiences. Groups of ten audience members were led by ushers to enjoy three very different shows every night.

From a high-energy comedy set in a taxi rank (“Rank”, directed by Vivica Fipaza), to the sweet sounds of a musical which brought inner conflicts to the outside (“Reborn”, directed by Oratile Molifi) and an immersive suspense experience where the audience searched for clues with the cast (“Imprisoned”, directed by Ntsako Mthembu) – the audiences were treated to a wide variety of theatre.

Multimedia was used with original animation in the affecting “You” (directed by Anke Müller), while pancakes were served at a highly emotional funeral in “Dinner” (directed by Onalerona Dikhing). Audiences took journeys exploring the human subconscious (“Superego”, directed by Njabulo Sigudu), became subjects of a corrupt ruler (“Tyrant”, directed by Sarah Fleming), and faced the brutal and tragic realities of human trafficking (“Evanescent”, directed by Masie Phetla).

After having no House Plays for two years, this festival was truly celebratory. Nothing can keep down the High School for Girls Potchefstroom’s Drama Department and its talented learners.

The winners of the House Play Festival Awards are:

Best Script: Evanescent (directed by Masie Phetla and Asanda Mtyotywa)

Best Technical: Superego (directed by Njabulo Sigudu)

Best Stage Design: Rank (directed by Vivica Fipaza)

Best Use of Performance Space: Reborn (directed by Oratile Molifi)

Best Ensemble: Rank (directed by Vivica Fipaza)

Best Physical Theatre: Tyrant (directed by Sarah Fleming and Sanda Lukwago-Mugerwa)

Best Lead Performer: Kutlwano Modibedi (for her performance in Rank)

Best Supporting Performer: Jenna Bailey (for her performance in Superego)

Best Co-Director: Sanda Lukwago-Mugerwa (for Tyrant)

Best Director: Njabulo Sigudu (for Superego)

Overall Best Show: Evanescent and Rank