Drama for Life graduates celebrate in style
November 26, 2010 – Drama for Life held its year end function last night to celebrate the graduation of the 2010 scholars.
The evening was an opportunity for scholars, staff, sponsors and partners to toast another successful year and the completion of the 2010 applied theatre and drama course.
The evening, which was MC’d by 2010 honours students Tonderai Chiyindiko and Tshiamo Petersen, kicked off with series of speeches thanking sponsors, funders and staff for their commitment and contribution to the academic programme.
Chiyindiko said: “This is a very special day for us as scholars. I thank all those who made this year possible, including our sponsors, funders and friends.”
The two honours students touched on some of the highlights of the year, including playback theatre and the MAKE ART/STOP AIDS project.
Warren Nebe, Director of Drama for Life and Head of Dramatic Art at the University of the Witwatersrand, said: “Drama for Life is about building communities and we believe we need to train people to understand communities and use arts to bind people together again.”
He added that HIV/AIDS is just one of the issues that needs to be addressed by asking “how can art find ways to reflect and build communities?”
He wished all the DFL scholars well, saying “Go out there and have the internal resources to find work that is important to you and relevant to you and the community.”
Speeches that reflected on the past year by DFL scholars Benne Banda and Faith Koli then followed.
Faith said: “Theatre and drama is underestimated. I have learnt that theatre can heal and that drama and theatre are powerful. We need to support drama and theatre.”
Peter Conze, GTZ South African Country Director, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. DFL is becoming a big family now.”
He applauded DFL not only for its 64 successful graduates from 15 nations, but also for launching the festival and conference this year.
He said: “DFL is interesting because it is continuing to fight against HIV/AIDS. There are signs of success in the fight against HIV/AIDS but it is not won and we have to continue to fight.”
He applauded the University for establishing an applied theatre and drama course saying, “I like that this is an African course to address an African problem [HIV/AIDS].”
He wished all the 2010 scholars well: “I hope that you have the chance to use what you’ve learned and the opportunity to continue the work that you started here.”
Following the speeches guests enjoyed an al fresco dinner on the Wits Theatre terrace and then watched a performance of Zakes Mda’s Mother of all Eating directed by Makhaola Ndebele.