Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORDINARY and Advanced Level candidates received one final academic and creative push ahead of their Zimsec examinations through Final Act ’25, a festival of Language, Literature, and live performance hosted by the Centre for Talent Development (CTD).
The annual festival, held from September 24 to October 3 at Eveline High School in Bulawayo, was designed to bridge the gap between academic study and practical appreciation. It successfully blended theatre, poetry, history and literary analysis into an immersive learning experience.
English set books brought to life on stage included Shadows on the Horizon, I Will Wait, Animal Farm, Every Stone That Turns, Songs from the Temple and Coming of the Dry Season. For Ndebele Literature, audiences enjoyed performances inspired by Ugqozi Lwezimbongi, Umhlaba Lo, Kodwa Mama, Emdanweni Wezinkondlo, Icala Lezinduna, Akugwatshwa Ngokuzala, and Umbango Wedlozi.
The festival also ventured into history through a presentation by the multi-award-winning Umkhathi Theatre Works, which dramatised the Ndebele Uprising, linking historical narratives to contemporary cultural identity. CTD director Thabani Hillary Moyo said this year’s edition went beyond revision, celebrating the fusion of Literature, History and theatre through live performance.
“The turnout was overwhelming and very encouraging. We reached out to more than 1 200 learners from schools across Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. The numbers exceeded our expectations and confirmed the need for interactive and performance-based learning platforms such as Final Act,” said Moyo.
He said the team of facilitators, performers, and technical experts worked tirelessly to ensure that every presentation was both engaging and syllabus-aligned.
“The feedback from learners and teachers showed that the delivery was of a high standard, blending creativity with examination-focused interpretation,” he added.
Moyo highlighted the importance of partnerships in making this year’s festival a success.
“Collaborating with schools like Eveline High and theatre groups such as Umkhathi Theatre Works expanded our reach and impact. We also learnt that learners respond better when education is delivered creatively — it boosts confidence, understanding and critical thinking,” he said.
As candidates sit for their final Zimsec examinations, starting on Monday, Moyo believes the festival has equipped them with the confidence and analytical skills needed to excel.
“The performances, discussions and examination tips gave learners practical insight into interpreting themes, analysing characters and contextualising historical events. Many left with a stronger grasp of how to approach both Literature and History papers.
“When we integrate creativity into learning, students walk into exams not just with knowledge, but with confidence and clarity,” he said.
