12th Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa Comes to the Joburg Theatre in September

After successful seasons at the Precinct Homecoming Centre in District Six and the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, the organisers of the 12th Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA) are gearing up for the next leg of the 2022 festival, happening at the Joburg Theatre from 6 to 11 September 2022.

Founded by Kseniya Filinova-Bruton in 2009, the SSFSA has successfully united and empowered youth in South Africa using the transforming power of theatre - specifically the works of Shakespeare - to achieve that goal.

From the start, the SSFSA has been a highlight on the cultural calendars of school and amateur drama groups and cultural clubs. "Being able to finally hold live performances after two years of challenging Covid circumstances has been a great morale booster," said Filinova-Bruton.

The SSFSA festival is Africa's largest youth drama event that focuses solely on Shakespeare plays. To date it has showcased 518 Shakespeare plays across the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, has worked with 10,866 learners from 597 schools, and bolstered 764 teachers in their capacity as drama and performance arts directors. "Young thespians are asked to present innovative, abridged versions of Shakespeare plays of their choice in no more than 45 minutes. "It's a non-competitive environment and kids have loads of fun while learning at the same time," says SSFSA manager Blythe Stuart-Linger. Casts are encouraged to 'turn a play on its head' by making it relatable to themselves and their peers. Throughout the preparation process, the SSFSA team assists with scripts, and acting and directing tips, running a number of educational programs alongside to benefit educators, learner-directors and casts.

Joining in at the Joburg Theatre will be The East Rand thespians, the Adelaide Tambo Special School, King Edward VLL School, Kids Haven Drama group, the African School for Excellence, Khula Unqobe Creative Arts, and St Dunstan's College Preparatory School, among others.

Importantly, the festival also welcomes Learners with different abilities and physical challenges. The De La Bat School for the Deaf participates regularly in Cape Town, using South African Sign Language, and each year they, and the Pioneer School for the visually impaired, deliver ground-breaking and moving renditions of the play of their choice.

The ticket prices at R100 pp and R85 block booking for 10 or more. Tickets are available at www.Joburgtheatre.com

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