The University of Pretoria's School of the Arts: Drama is delighted to announce the return of the UP Drama Festival, reigniting an air of excitement at the Lier and Bok Theatres, the UP Drama Building, the Javette Art Centre, and Skuros on the South Campus. Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival resumes under the coordination of Mr. David April, with the assistance of Ms. Nicola Prinsloo. Over the course of five days, senior UP Drama students will present exemplary selections from their first-semester assessments. Additionally, audiences can look forward to participating in a new series of workshops covering diverse areas such as radio drama, physical theatre, and film critique.

This five-day festival will feature outstanding performances by third-year and Honours students, a Masters student, and a special guest performer. This event serves as a testament to the students' dedication and hard work throughout their Drama studies, extending beyond their first semester of 2024. These performances promise to showcase the exceptional standard of UP Drama and the vast opportunities available to its graduates, as demonstrated by the various unique roles the students will undertake, from acting and directing to technical crew responsibilities.

The festival commenced on Tuesday, 23 July, with an atmosphere of eager anticipation permeating the Drama Building as the audience awaited the inaugural production. The excitement was palpable, characterized by lively conversations, dancing to background music, and a general sense of enthusiasm. The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Sandy Africa, officially opened the festival, expressing pride in the Drama Department for organizing the event. Professor Africa emphasized the festival's significance in providing students with the opportunity to share their work with the broader university community and external guests. She also underscored the importance of the arts within the Humanities, noting their integral role beyond academic pursuits. Professor Africa commended the festival for fostering a sense of community on campus, particularly following the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eagerly anticipated first performance of the festival was directed by third-year drama students Bianca Janse van Vuuren, Melody Buthelezi, and Kgaogelo Mogale, under the supervision of Mr. Calvin Ratladi. The set design, while simple, provided the perfect backdrop for the unfolding narrative. Cast members Marcíano de Oliveira and Callia Konidaris led the audience on an emotional journey through themes of loss and grief. Their impactful movements, sincere interactions, and compelling dialogue created a profound connection with the audience. The heart-wrenching conclusion of "Lost Souls" set a high standard for the subsequent festival performances.

Audiences and visitors can anticipate a diverse and inclusive lineup of productions addressing various themes such as comedy and tragedy. Notable performances include: Third-Year Directing Student Productions, "The Four Mrs. Buchanans" (a multi-camera sitcom performed by Honours students), "The Memories We Keep Are the Ones Stuck to the Soles of Our Feet" (a physical theatre performance directed by Dr. Kristina Johnston, with dramaturgy by Dr. Lelia Bester), "In-Between" (a solo performance by Masters student Shamiga Makau), and "Barena/Chiefs Reimagined" (a guest performance by Smangaliso Ngwenya, choreographed by David April based on the original work of internationally acclaimed artist Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe).

The School of the Arts: Drama has a longstanding tradition of producing exceptional work, and we look forward to supporting their remarkable efforts during the 2024 Drama Festival. 

Please click here for the programme and more information on the festival