POLOKWANE – Curro Heuwelkruin and Northern Academy are making strides in promoting the performing arts.

Both schools boast drama departments that nurture learners’ stage skills and provide them with opportunities to grow as performers.

On August 22, the drama departments of Heuwelkruin and Northern Academy showcased the plays they entered in the Curro Create initiative – a creative platform for all Curro schools.

Out of 40 entries from various Curro schools across the country, only 20 were selected to be redefined, with the top five invited to the National Youth Theatre Festival’s Theatre Week in July.

Heuwelkruin’s play, ‘The Children’, and Northern Academy’s ‘The Meeting Place’ both made it to the final of Theatre Week, held on July 6. Each school was mentored by acclaimed theatre professionals, including Nico Scheepers, Mahlatsi Mokgonyana, Penny Youngleson, Lebohang Motaung, and Andi Colombo.

For the second consecutive year, Heuwelkruin triumphed, winning eight special awards.

Reggie Goodwin, the drama teacher and director of ‘The Children’, was named best director.

Natasha Mkize, head of stakeholder relations, and Pedro Kruger, head of Curro Create, were in attendance at Heuwelkruin’s final performance.

Eben Lingenfelder, CEO of Heuwelkruin, welcomed guests and dedicated the evening to celebrating the learners’ achievements.

“We gather not only to honour their numerous accolades but also to immerse ourselves in the beauty of visual arts and the magic of live theatre,” he said.

Winners of Theatre Week:

Heuwelkruin:
• Best actress: Tapiwanashe Chuma.
• Most promising actress: Elsa Caquece.
• Best ensemble.
• Best director: Reggie Goodwin.
• Best production.

Northern Academy:
• Most promising actor: Muhluri Chauke.