Potchefstroom High School for Girls’ drama learners recently made quite a statement at the Senior ATKV Tienertoneel competition.

The production “Vioolspinnekop: Die Muse van Stilfontein” (‘Violin spider: The Muse of Stilfontein’), written and directed by Mrs Rossouw-Taljaard, was performed on 27 July for the school audience and were met by a standing ovation. They then went to the Gauteng Regional competition on 1 August, and performed amazingly in the Unisa Little Theatre. The cast, consisting of Grade 11 Drama learners only, was praised by the judges.

The magical musical play about lost dreams really resonated with judges Prof Marie-Heleen Coetzee and Mr Pietie Beyers. They commented on the performers’ potential and creative genius, saying that they were excited by the beautiful minimalist set, with a bridge created by our very own Ms Van Straten, and the singing talents, which were refined by Ms Gray.

The team received many bronze, some silver, and even one Gold certificate:

– Participation: Renate Terblanche, Hira Ali Bhatti, Kenya Winn, Karabo Tlhole, Mitoulah Theron, Sharon Nienaber, Tshiamo Rapule, Thato Booi, Chezné Samson, Boitebogo Seboko, Nolitha Nxasana, Cameron Theron, Sarah Fleming, Masie Phetla, Naledi Kutumela, Agnella Alubafi, Bone Nkele, Botlhale Maepa, Nicole Carson, Botle Mohlomi.

– Bronze for overall production

– Bronze for directing (Mrs Rossouw-Taljaard)

– Bronze for choreography (Masie Phetla and Sarah Fleming)

– Bronze for sound (Botle Mohlomi)

– Silver for lighting (Nicole Carson)

– Bronze for ensemble work (Renate Terblanche, Hira Ali Bhatti, Kenya Winn, Karabo Tlhole, Mitoulah Theron, Sharon Nienaber, Tshiamo Rapule, Thato Booi, Chezné Samson, Boitebogo Seboko, Nolitha Nxasana, Cameron Theron)

– Silver for performance: Renate Terblanche

– Bronze for performance: Karabo Tlhole

– GOLD for Stage Management: Naledi Kutumela

“We are very proud to have been the only English school in the entire South Africa to have competed in the ATKV Tienertoneel competition. The cast, with the help of the crew and director, left their hearts on the stage and loved every second of it, learning a lot from performing on a professional stage and receiving mentoring from giants in the theatre industry afterwards. Truly an experience to remember,” stated the school.