Young aspiring actors bring Hollywood to city

Aspiring young actors at Mitchell House on Friday brought Hollywood to the city in a stage play titled ‘Drama for Change’ that aimed to address issues faced by youth in the society at the school theatre.
The play was brought to life by learners in Grades 10 to 12, who displayed excellent acting skills that left the crowd asking for more as was evident from the audience’s enthusiastic response.
Dramatic Arts educator Roshnee Guptar said the play was meant to address societal issues such as racism, sexism and homophobia among others and also further to help youth project their voices on issues affecting them. She emphasised that they had handed over all the power to the learners for them to learn to be responsible. She indicated that the participating actors had designed tickets, prepared videos and even food.
“We started preparing for the performance in February but the entire set was only put together four days before the event. We battled but managed to pull through. What we were trying to do was to inspire, educate and raise voices for the voiceless,” Guptar explained.
She further applauded the learners for a job well done and reiterated that she was proud of all of them. A local drama director confessed to Polo­kwane Observer during a short break that they have been hosting stage plays at the City Library auditorium but they have never delivered anything like ‘Drama for Change’. The director, who spoke on condition of anonymity, gave learners and Guptar a thumbs-up as she stated that the play was magnificent and the message was loud and clear. She concluded by encouraging young actors to keep up the good work.

Story, photos and video: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co