2 Nights. 7 Shows. New Student Voices!
We took an entirely new approach to the Major Production this year as we brought a total of seven original works to the stage with OTP - Original Theatre Project.
From the end of 2025 students submitted their proposals and then scripts for OTP and these were reworked over the course of the holidays. Seven plays were selected to take part in the festival: 'Lesley' written and directed by Tobi Gbadebo; 'Echo Chamber' written and directed by Rorisang Modiselle; 'Room 27' written by Lwandle Phakati and directed by Gianluca Zambelis; 'Red' an adaptation of the fable 'Red Shoes' directed by Thushaan Naidu; 'The King of R'lyeh' written by Daniel Lilleike and directed by Daniel Lilleike and Sisanda Johnson; 'Praise!' written and directed by Ezra Mazhande, Thyilelo Mabandla and Lehakoe Matlala; and 'May the Best Man Win' written and directed by Rebone Rantloane and Lila van Reenen.
Auditions took place in the first week of the Easter Term and 80 students turned out to show us what they could do. Every single student was cast and over the course of the term they were guided and challenged as the directors watched their plays come to life. Each play had a completely different style and look and they were daring, sharp, personal and visionary.
'Lesley' looked at the scourge of gender-based violence and its lasting impact. 'Echo Chamber' considered the complexity of being oneself in an online world. 'Room 27' imagined South Africa as a human being and what they might say if they got the chance. 'Red' told its tale of a pair of magic shoes in striking choral verse and dance. 'The King of R'lyeh' took us into the mind of a man isolated in a lighthouse in a world of monsters and fog. 'Praise!' told the story of Pastor Shiburi — but maybe not the one he wanted you to hear. And 'May the Best Man Win' was a biting satirical view of politics both globally and locally.
The first night of performance marked the debut of the newly expanded Joy de Souza Theatre and it was thrilling to see this space officially used as a theatre venue. The second night played to a near-capacity Big School and both were a huge success.
It was a landmark decision to stage seven new plays instead of one major production and the opportunity it provided for student voices to be heard was truly valuable. Thank you to everyone who took part in this significant event.
