Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
AS the final school term approaches, pressure is mounting on Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates to prepare for their examinations. However, this year, preparation will extend beyond the classroom and onto the stage.
The Centre for Talent Development (CTD) is set to launch Final Act ’25, a Festival of Language, Literature and Live Performance, aimed at bridging the gap between academic study and practical appreciation. Running from September 24 to October 3 at Eveline High School, the festival will blend theatre, poetry, history and literary analysis into an immersive educational experience.
“This is more than a revision programme — it’s a celebration of literature, history and the power of live performance. We aim to deepen understanding, boost confidence, and make learning unforgettable, while preserving our heritage,” said Thabani H Moyo, a teacher at Eveline and CTD director.
He said the festival will open with an English Language Seminar before transitioning into a rich programme of stage adaptations.
“English set-books such as Shadows on the Horizon, I Will Wait, Animal Farm, Every Stone That Turns, Songs from the Temple, and Coming of the Dry Season will be brought to life through performance.
“For Ndebele Literature, audiences can expect interpretations of Ugqozi Lwezimbongi, Umhlaba Lo, Kodwa Mama, Emdanweni Wezinkondlo, Icala Lezinduna, Akugwatshwa Ngokuzala and Umbango Wedlozi.”
The festival will also delve into history, with the multi-award-winning Umkhathi Theatre Works presenting a dramatisation of the Ndebele Uprising, linking historical events to contemporary cultural identity.
Moyo explained that the festival is fully aligned with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and the goals of Education 5.0, which emphasise critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and innovation. By merging curriculum content with live performance, Final Act ’25 will not only help students prepare for exams but also reinforce cultural preservation and national development objectives outlined in National Development Strategies 1 and 2.
“Learners will watch dramatised interpretations of set works, engage in examination-focused discussions, and connect emotionally with the themes, characters and historical events they study,” Moyo said.
CTD has a strong track record in delivering syllabus-aligned educational programmes. Its Performance-Based Workshops have reached thousands of learners nationwide, enhancing engagement, comprehension, and retention through interactive drama, poetry and song.
In 2024 alone, more than 2 000 learners benefitted from CTD initiatives, with many achieving top marks in national examinations.
Past participants have not only excelled academically but have also ventured into the creative arts, demonstrating that the festival’s impact extends well beyond the classroom.
