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By Luchwayito Vena

Rhodes University Drama Lecturer Selloane ‘Lalu’ Mokuku and MA student Khanya Ngcuka each won a Bronze Award at this year’s National Art Festival (NAF).

Lalu’s award-winning play ‘PEN(T)S DOWN HAHA!’ is about a lifestyle influencer whose posts about her grandmother draw a massive following from young people. Unknown to her followers, she gets swallowed by addictions and struggles to free herself. This play explores the vulnerable lives young people pursue in their desire to be ‘liked’.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude [when we won the prize],” said Lalu. “This is because this has been a collaborative process with the cast, and it involved massive research. We started working on this production as a response to the tragedy of Enyobeni Tavern, where 21 young people are reported to have died.”

She explained that the production was also inspired by ASSITEJ South Africa’s call for partnerships to tackle the celebratory culture called ‘pens down’, where many children indulge in alcohol consumption. The youngest victim of the Enyobeni tragedy was reported to be 13 years old. The play is for young audiences and is due to travel to Johannesburg for the 2023 Cradle of Creativity Festival between 20-21 August. Written by Lalu, the play is directed by Luvuyo Yanta and the performers are undergraduate students Lisa Simalene, Suthukazi Memela, Nokulunga Masia, and Rozelle Hartenzberg.

MA student Khanya’s NAF Bronze Award was for her play ‘SECOND HANDS’, performed by Nikita Baloyi, Siphosethu Duna, Lesedi Makhene, Mihlali Siwela, Lacreatia Stuurman and Nosihle Xaba.

“Khanya is co-supervised by myself (Applied Theatre) and Professor Heike Gehring (Directing),” explained Lalu. “Her winning fills me with joy and pride. I know thinkers like her will achieve Agenda 2063, so Africa will indeed thrive!”

This year, two productions were awarded gold, three were awarded silver, and 11 were awarded bronze at NAF.

According to Lalu, the Drama Department makes a great effort to introduce students to high standards in the industry. Students are encouraged to engage vigorously with research and engage with topical issues.