Speech, drama festival ends

According to the organisers, 1 562 entries were drawn from 47 schools throughout Zimbabwe. Participants presented poems, prose, Shakespearean monologues and drama excerpts, mime, experimental work and story-telling.

From June 26 to July 12, the Midlands Christian School, Prince Edward School, Twin Rivers and the International School saw scores of students of all races and backgrounds taking turns to showcase their diverse talents.

Festival director Mr Peters was overwhelmed by the success.
“We have had an exciting festival with some schools entering for the first time. There was a pleasing increase in entries from schools in Bulawayo, the Midlands, Masvingo and Mutare,” he said.

He added that several entrances from outside Harare included Irfaan Surtee and Tadiwa Goronga from Kyle Prep School (Masvingo), Joanah Marembo from Cecil John Rhodes Primary (Gweru), Tafadzwa Sinoya from Petra High (Bulawayo) and Sedezayi Peresuh from Midlands Christian College who recited poems at the concert.

The Grade 6 choral speaking choir from the Midlands Christian School performed two delightful poems – “Blake’s Tyger Revisited” and “The Rhythm of the Tom Tom”.
The judges were also impressed by the level of competence shown by the youngsters.

Among them was award-winning writer and director from California (United States of America), Tameka Lamison.
She was the adjudicators for the senior section while Heather Jenvey judged the juniors.

Jenvey is no stranger to Zimbabwe as she was born and educated in Harare.
Although she moved to the United Kingdom 11 years ago, she was at one time head of performing arts at a school in Berkshire.

Currently, she is coaching students at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
She is passionate about the enhancing of drama with music and art and working with energetic, responsive and gifted children.

The organisers took time to applaud the main sponsor, Deloitte, for their continued support of the festival.
Together with the volunteers, they made sure the festival ran smoothly, managing the different venues.

The following are the 16 individuals and eight groups were presented with trophies for being outstanding.

The Margaret Grace Cup for the Best Item of Poetry – Joahan Mavembo a Grade 3 student from Cecil John Rhodes School, Gweru.

Chisipite Caritas Cup for the Best Item of Senior Poetry – Thulani Nzonzo from St George’s College.

Imaginato Cup for the Best Item of Prose – Amika Naik of Chisipite Senior School

Centenary Cup for the Best Recital – Students from the Ruth Rodger Studio.

The Sarah Jane Munn Trophy for the Most Creative Group – Chisipite Senior School

Kilalea Cup for Best Playlet – Students from Arundel.

Tomlinson Quaich for Best Monologue, Any Age – Eric Kennedy of Hellenic Academy.

NIAA Duologue Cup for Best Duologue, Any Age – R. Marikano and T. Samkange of Hellenic Academy.

Wallbridge Shakespeare Award for the Best Shakespearean Items – Sam Brakarsh of Hellenic Academy

Leandra Fenesey Cup for the Best Improvisation – Students from The Heritage School

Ann Warr Newsreading Trophy for the Best Newsreading Item – B. Franklin and N. Kinnaird of Hellenic Academy.

Ena Stone Mime Cup for the Best Mime – Senior Drama Group from Hellenic Academy

Over the Edge Shield for Best Original Item – Sesedzayi Peresuh for her original poem

Anne Levy Cup for the Best Junior Item – Tadiwa Goronga of Kyle Prep for his monologue

Kathy Norman Cup for the Best Intermediate Item – Reece Williams of St John’s College for his Shakespearean Monologue. Reece also won the Rosemary Neill Trophy for the Best Intermediate All-rounder.