adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Ordinary and advanced level pupils preparing to write their final examinations have been encouraged to watch plays from their set books being performed live on stage in order to enhance their understanding. This was said at the Bulawayo Theatre during the ongoing Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo. The festival which started on Monday with a series of plays being staged, ends on Saturday with an official opening taking place at the Large City Hall tonight.
Four Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) English Literature set books, The Colour of Hope, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Sun Will Rise Again and Master Harold & The Boys, have been adapted into plays through the Live Literature Project for school pupils.
The two plays – The Sun Will Rise Again and Master Harold & The Boys which were shown yesterday both commanded full houses, attracting audiences from various schools.
Festival director, Raisedon Baya, said schools should use theatre arts as a tool to teach their pupils literature.
“Pupils can understand the set book better if they see it being acted out on stage. This is what we want to do with the Live Literature project because after the play, we discuss with the pupils what they’ll have seen and ask how it’ll have helped their understanding of the set book,” said Baya.
He said there was a need to have more platforms for schools to discuss the set books other than confining the discussions to the festival alone.
“As Intwasa, we hope to host authors of the book so that they converse one on one with teachers and students.”
A teacher at Nkulumane High School who took her pupils to watch The Sun Will Rise Again yesterday said: “The play brought to life what’s in the set book.
“The visual aid and dramatics that the actors acted out on stage when they re-enacted the set book made my pupils understand the plot and themes of the set book better.”
Online Reporter