![Bontebok Primary Drama Group captivated the audience in their performance of I can be your Fairytale Bontebok Primary Drama Group captivated the audience in their performance of I can be your Fairytale](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/bontebok_primary_drama_group_captivated_the_audience_in_their_performance_of_i_can_be_your_fairytale.jpg)
The Artscape Arena displayed confident performances and professionalism from the youngsters at the Tridistrict Drama Festival on Friday 29 April 2016. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted this wonderful event in partnership with the Suidoosterfees.
Five groups participated in the day’s events, with each play showcasing their vision and hard work. They were Curtain Call African Spear, Team Explosive, Genagetix, Net vir Pret and Bontebok Drama Group.
Most of the plays differed from each other and told their own unique stories. Some of the plays broke the fourth wall when they addressed the audience directly, which was one of the many entertaining moments. Most of the plays tackled serious issues such as slavery but some plays were humorous and had many people in the audience laughing. At the end of the day it was Team Explosive with Affie Kleinplaas that won the honour of Best Drama at the festival, and they had a final performance at the Artscape Arena on Sunday 1 May 2016.
William Michaels and Robyn September, both from Team Genagetix were awarded Best Actor and Actress after their performance of Andrea. Llewellyn Bond was awarded Best Supporting Actor and together the three of them will have the opportunity to audition for a part in the South African drama series Suidooster that is based in Cape Town.
Aashieqa Hardien, a Project Coordinator at the festival from DCAS, was proud of the hard work the youngsters had been doing and said: “Seeing the growth of these young artists over this year is inspiring. Their hunger to capacitate themselves and be better every single time was evident in the great performances they gave. This programme has impacted on these artists’ lives and you can see their appreciation in their humility.”
Minister Anroux Marais also attended the event and encouraged all the artists to continue with their good work. “Continue to nurture your talents and use it to your own advantage and to allow yourself to continue developing into extraordinary artists,” she said.
These festivals are an opportunity to identify talent and develop the arts in communities. Let us continue to develop excellence in the arts BETTER TOGETHER.
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za