The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
TEN Bulawayo schools are set for a gruelling contest when they rock the stage at this year’s Plan Intwasa Festival Drama (PIFD) competition to be held at Bulawayo theatre on 29 September.
Renowned artiste, Raisedon Baya said preparations were in full swing.
“This year’s PIFD competition attracted about 40 schools but only top ten schools would compete in the finals. The theme for this year’s competition is Children in Conflict with the Law,” he said.
Baya said the competition aimed at advocating children’s rights.
“The competition which is supported by Plan Zimbabwe will give children the opportunity to suggest ideas, to ask questions, to challenge and openly criticise issues or situations that hinder their rights,” he said.
Baya added that the drama competition would motivate youths to take arts as a profession.
“The competition seeks to increase students’ appreciation of drama and theatre works. Youths should know that arts can change their lives for the better,” he said.
The 10 schools set to compete are Mandwandwe High, Emganwini High, Mzilikazi High, Eveline Girls High, Cowdray Park High, Gifford High, Maranatha High, Sizane High, Nketa High and Northlea High.
The winners of the competition will bag $500, while the runners up will be awarded $300.
This year’s Intwasa Festival will be held at four venues which includes the Bulawayo National Gallery and Bulawayo Theatre, and will run from 27 to 30 September.
The festival will run under the theme “Immortalise” which is a cry for endurance by the festival against the previous lack of support from the Government and donor companies which crippled last year’s edition.
This year’s edition will for the first time include the Bulawayo Street Carnival that will see thousands of people invade the City of Kings in carnival costumes on 27 September.
The festival will also include spectacular events namely World Tourism Concert, BLACK AND WHITE Ain’t Colours, The Comedy Hour, More Than A Woman (Book Launch), Spoken Word Workshop hosted by UK and South Africa artistes.
