It was like a long awaited dream that is about to be fulfilled when learners from the dusty grounds of Carletonville, in the West Rand, Badirile Secondary School’s Dramatic Arts department headed to Soweto Theatre Complex situated opposite the Jabulani Mall, for their technical rehearsals in preparation for the Dramatic Arts Showcase event.
Learners were accompanied by their teachers, Ms Sibiya VN, and Rabaloi JM, who is also the Departmental Head at the school. Upon their arrival at the Soweto Theatre, learners were met by Martin Harmse who works for the Gauteng Education Department as SES Dramatic Arts. Mr Harmse took learners on a tour to acquaint them with the surroundings and the facilities available at the theatre.
The primary OBJECTIVE of the Dramatic Showcase is to bring the raw talent from learners in the arts industry from the schools in Gauteng. The other objective is to better the Performing Arts Industry by creating a conducive platform for learners to compete amongst themselves whilst entertaining audiences.
The much-awaited moment arrived as learners were taken to the stage for the dress-rehearsals in preparation for the performance on the 9th of March 2024. We watched as they began to take up their positions for the roles given. When learners had tried it for several times and continued to stumble, the only conclusion I made was that “The only real failure they will experience will be the failure to failing to try”, said Rabaloi!
On the other hand, it is our learners’ response to the challenges ahead (winning and losing) that will make them winners or losers on the day!! As far as the learners were concerned they were determined to give it their all to actually show that though they are from disadvantaged community, they can still compete those from resourced schools.
