72 The Chronicle 2021 The Arts Dramatic Arts As we look back at the outstanding history of our College, we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to look at the journey of the Dramatic Arts department over the 17 years that I have had the privilege of serving as the Head of Department. This creative home to all the Grade 8 and 9 students and at least 80 senior Grade 10 to Grade 12 students each year, has grown from strength to strength. We have seen many amazing part-time and full-time teachers share their knowledge and expertise with our students over the years. The department is now in the capable hands of Mrs Emily Stockil-Smith and myself. We complement each other in terms of our experience and expertise. For us Dramatic Arts is more than a subject, it is a powerful tool which will benefit an individual in any field or future interest. Emily Stockil-Smith holds a Master’s degree in Applied Theatre and Dramatic Studies from UCT. She completed her course work for this degree at the University of Massachusetts in the USA. Her research focused on theatre’s ability to promote change and ideological conversation in rural communities in KZN. Emily has taught and lectured various aspects of Drama at Rhodes University, UCT and UKZN. Although Emily has extensive experience as a director, playwright and actress for both stage and screen, her calling has always been to teach. She is a dynamic, creative, and compassionate teacher. As a passionate Drama teacher, with an Honours degree in Drama, I have taught at government and private schools before arriving at Kearsney College. My teaching experience has included being Drama provincial chief examiner for the Grade 12 written examination and practical moderator for the Department of Education and examiner for the Australian VCAA examination board. I am a senior practical examiner and senior sub-examiner for the IEB. Our department provides a platform for all our students. Over the years we have had Heads and Deputy Heads of School and Heads and Deputy Heads of Houses doing Drama. This year Head of School, Rahul Paul, and four Heads of Houses, Prince Dube, Luke Robertson, Menzi Mhlongo and Ryan Wimbush were part of our Grade 12 Drama class. Many of our students go on to tertiary institutions to study in the Performing Arts field, locally and internationally. We have an excellent record of high distinction rates for the Grade 12 IEB NSC examination. The 2021 results are summarised at the start of this chapter. Exposure to Dramatic Arts platforms There are several performance platforms on offer at the College, including annual school productions (dramatic and musicals), inter-house play competition, (image right) Drama@Kearsney, Dance@Kearsney, Words@Kearsney, Dramatic Arts showcases, workshops, Drama Club performances at school functions, assemblies and marketing events. Our boys have opportunities offered by outside productions, such as other schools’ productions and KZN Young Performers. Talented and involved pupils have received Honours in Drama each year. Overseas Tours The department has embarked on six overseas Dramatic Arts tours to the USA since 2007. The first touring USA and UK. Facilitated by professional actors, directors and stage choreographers, the Dramatic Arts students Could hone their craft in workshops designed for professionals. The students engaged in the acting and film workshops offered at the Shakespeare Theatre Complex, Washington and the Shubert Theatre Organisation in New York and attend theatre productions on Broadway and other renowned theatres. Ms Ulaetha Singh HOD Dramatic Arts DRAMA CLASSROOM Between the curtain and the footlights is a liminal space - A changing, moving, mercurial world where many finally find their place. That sacred physical space they will inhabit to reach their destination A vibrant, nurturing home to inspire, motivate, excite, capture and stir imagination. A world where ideologies are changed and the disenfranchised tell their story, Where we examine perspective - the honest, the real and the gory. We put ourselves in the shoes of the characters we play, We ask ourselves ‘what would it be like to be this person for a day?’ We celebrate diversity, empathy, creativity, colour For without differences our universe would be duller. Whether you’re coming to us from a choir rehearsal or an extra lesson or the rugby field, In our world your inner character, moral fibre and spirit will be revealed. You may be a thinker, a doer, a dreamer, a realist, We will inspire you to be the best you can be – be it a performer, a storyteller, a researcher, an engineer, a theorist - a businessman, a sportsman, a politician, a scientist. We are told repeatedly that the future belongs to those who can imagine it, It belongs to the ones with new perspectives, the ones whose torches are lit Because we have robots that construct and machines that break apart But we will never find a replacement for the human heart. The world of Drama helps you to find your unique voice, Use it, let it be heard, make this your choice. Poem by Mrs Emily Stockil-Smith, capturing the essence of Drama. These are snippets of news from a few of our proud and passionate Drama Old Boys Thando Myeza and Lefa Motshele are currently studying Drama at the University of Cape Town. Bruce Simkins has completed his studies at the New York Film Academy and has moved on to Los Angeles. Thando Skwatsha is currently enrolled at NYFA, Los Angeles. William Young won the full scholarship prize in the Project Performer competition for his four-year study at the Waterfront Theatre School. Sihle Manonyane is also currently a student at this prestigious Cape Town theatre school. He was the lead actor in their production Our House at the Artscape Theatre Centre and has now been cast in Steven Stead’s pantomime which will run at the Playhouse. Nkosinathi Mazwai was the top student at Waterfront Theatre School for both theory and performance. Nick Taylor is currently studying at AFDA Film School in Cape Town, looking to specialise in writing and directing in the film industry. He has already been involved in the making of short films. Our Drama students have included captains of sports teams and professional sports stars like Martin Röhwer (pro golfer), professional cricketer Kyle Abbott, Nqobile Ntuli (SA Hockey) and Ayron Schramm, playing rugby for Germany. Menzi Mhlongo has offers from a choice of overseas institutions to pursue his soccer career in 2022. We can boast business entrepreneurs Greg Keal, COO of Digsconnect and Sibongakonke Kheswa who is completing his CA(SA) articles at BDO. He was invited through initiatives from the US consulate to discuss issues on leadership and business and activism amongst the youth in the US. One of our top academics, Jabulani Nyathi (Deputy Head of School) placed in the top 1% in SA in 2015, is now doing his MPhil Engineering for Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge. 2021 winning House play was Gillingham’s ‘Tall or Short’
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