Wilgies shine at dramatic arts festival

On May 13, Curro Wilgeheuwel (Wilgies) learners showcased their talents and abilities at the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (Feda) at Lesedi Theatre, which has once again proven to be an amazing platform for young Wilgeheuwel theatre makers, giving students the chance to display their inventiveness, skill, and enthusiasm for the dramatic arts.

Over the past five years, the festival has become an important part of the school’s cultural programme, inspiring learners to grow both personally and artistically through the experience of live theatre.

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According to the head of campus culture, Trudy Fredericks, the festival was an unforgettable and enriching experience for all involved. The initiative allows learners to develop confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills while gaining exposure to different styles of theatre and performance.

“One of the defining features of the festival is its focus on student-written plays. Learners are encouraged to write, produce, direct, and perform their own original productions, giving them a deeper understanding of the dedication and teamwork required behind the scenes in theatre production,” she said.

Participation in the festival extends far beyond classroom learning. Learners selected for Feda are allowed to perform on a professional stage, exposing them to the standards and expectations of the performing arts industry. In addition to acting, learners gain hands-on experience with technical theatre elements such as lighting and sound, broadening their knowledge of production as a whole.

This initiative has grown significantly in popularity at Wilgeheuwel. For the past two years, the school has proudly entered two Feda casts. The Junior Feda cast, consisting of Grade Eight and Nine learners, includes 24 members, while the Senior FEDA cast for Grades 10 to 12 has 30 members.

Trudy highlighted one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme: watching learners develop over time. Many learners who joined in Grade Eight have grown into confident Grade 12 leaders who now mentor and guide younger performers. This cycle of mentorship has helped create a strong sense of community, leadership, and passion within the department.

“The exposure learners gain extends far beyond the classroom walls, allowing them to experience the arts and theatre in its truest form,” she said.

As the festival continues to grow from strength to strength, it remains a valuable opportunity for Wilgeheuwel learners to explore their creativity, discover their talents, and prepare for possible future careers in the arts.