Chronicle EditorMbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
The Centre for Talent Development (CTD), a hub for artistic talent, is being praised as a unifying force in education. Its recent staging of Barbara Nkala’s play, “Umhlaba lo!,” at Founders High School in Bulawayo last week is seen as a positive initiative aimed at fostering a ceasefire between perennial rivals, Milton and Gifford high school boys.
This was highlighted by Milton High School teacher, Thubelihle Sithole after seeing the set of pupils mingle after the session at Founders High School on Wednesday.
“The Milton-Gifford warfare is well storied and I’m glad to see the pupils mingling in harmony and it’s all thanks to CTD.
They emphasise a blend of education and entertainment, yet beyond that, they serve as a unifying force – an aspect deserving commendation.
“Through such events, learners don’t just learn about concepts in literature but, rather, life etiquette which is a need not only at school but in the society,” Sithole said.
In recent memory, Gifford and Milton High School boys have been at loggerheads.
The staging of Umhlaba lo! which was a first for CTD, recorded a bumper attendance of more than 800 pupils drawn from diverse schools including Eveline, Founders, Mpopoma, Hamilton, St Bernards, Milton and Montrose High Schools.
CTD boasts a well-equipped team of trained thespians, including Shammah Ruth Nicole Banda, Fadzai Dakalo Zvoushe, Ryan Nyoni, Marshal Manzungu, Cindy Mkhwananzi, Metrina Chigoda, Lerato Ncube, Melissa Siziba, Chelesile Mpofu, Mlungisi Juba, Andile Dube, Praise Donga, Emory Nare, and Nkosinomusa Munyaka. They work diligently to bring literary characters to life on stage.
The literature-based performance workshops conducted in and around Bulawayo have gained popularity among students. These workshops provide them with opportunities to address examination-type questions, engage in discussions, and ensure a comprehensive understanding of concepts and inquiries.
Babongile Mafu, a student from Montrose High School said the literature-based performances help fortify what they read.
“Through this workshop, I have understood characters better because at least, I got to see their countenances and this is going to be mentally-registered for a long time so that I remember in the examination room,” Mafu said.
“Literature as a subject is beneficial for critical thinking. I’ve learned to be highly analytical in life to avoid falling prey to evil machinations.
Through acting out these set books, we learn real-life lessons and witness them unfold before our eyes,” expressed Rashid Shaibu, a student at Founders High School.
CTD director, Thabani Hilary Moyo extended his gratitude to the Culture Fund for the continued support.
“We express our gratitude to Culture Fund for their support on behalf of schools and CTD because this has ensured that the product is available and accessible to the beneficiaries. We hope that this partnership can be extended,” he conveyed.
CTD is poised to continue staging “Umhlaba lo!” in an extension of its long-standing operating procedure, which involves providing literature-based performances for English language books. – @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter