Gilford reigns supreme

Brenda Phiri Cool Writer
Gilford High School from Bulawayo are this year’s National Drama Festival champions following their exceptional performance on Thursday.
The all-boys’ school retained their title after shaking off stiff competition from eight other provincial representatives at Murehwa High School.

For their efforts, the victorious school received US$1 000 and a shield while Sikhatini High School of Matabeleland South went home US$700 richer and along with a shield for being number two.

Moleli High School came third and were awarded US$500 and a shield.
Pardon Simango, the provincial head-in- charge of the host province expressed satisfaction at the level of talent displayed.

“The competition was stiff and the students gave the judges a tough time in deciding the best. The scoring was very close with little separating the schools in terms of points. In the end Gilford High School outshone the rest,” he said.

The competition’s judges were drawn from different institutions including Midlands State University Arts theatre and arts department where Mr Chamunorwa was a representative.

The University of Zimbabwe theatre and arts department was represented by Mr Chikonzo, while Ms Chido Erengwi represented the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

Individual prizes were also given to outstanding participants with the best actress award going to an award going to a boy from Gilford High School who had played the role of a lady.

“The best actress does not necessarily have to be a girl as other schools were represented by the opposite sex. Acting skills are the sole criterion considered for such an award therefore Nobert Makoche scooped the prize,” said Simango.

Their director, Ms Seyers, won the best director of the year.
Other prizes went to Moleli High School for the best costume.

Andy Nyathi from Fatima High School was the best actor while Godi Tinashe from Moleli High was the best supporting actor. The best supporting actress was Buhle Sibanda from Sikhathini High School.

Manicaland province was not represented at the festival.