Seychelles welcomes school of drama inter-school contest |28 June 2013

They were the finalists for primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions and were undoubtedly most privileged to be among the selected few.

Culture principal secretary Benjamine Rose, National Conservatoire of Performing Arts director Pierre Joseph, representatives of sponsors, parents, relatives and friends of the performers were present.

The event was organised by the School of Drama committee of the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Education and Theatre Association of Seychelles of the National Arts Council.

The 30 performing students came from public schools and private schools as well as post-secondary institutions.

After two months of preparation during which Colin Woodcock, drama teacher of the School of Drama, visited schools and worked with art teachers, the finalists had to play in a concert hall of approximately 300. 

All schools were vying for first prizes in two categories – One-man show and drama piece. The work was carefully scrutinised by a jury panel comprising Jean-Francois Figaro, Andy Jean-Louis, Kurt Lagrenade and Davis Mathiot as head judge.

After the two-hour show, the awards were given to the overall best performer for primary, and this went to Eusebio Ravignia. She was presented with her trophy by culture principal secretary Benjamine Rose.

Clinching the award as overall winners were Deidre Rene for secondary and Marius Jean for post-secondary.

The highlight of the evening, one which brought more applause, was the awards for best overall school which went to Praslin secondary.

Eusebio Ravignia, the overall best performer for one-man show, secured the overall One-man show cup as well.

It is important to stress that although the event was a competitive one, the main focus of the School of Drama is to bring in more pupils to the Centre for Performing Arts and have them engaged in improvisation techniques, open speech exercises and eventually to understand the basics of theatre.

The next step is to encourage schools through the Ministry of Education to have drama as extra-curricular activities and to enrol more students in creative activities that promise to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

We know that drama brings fun and laughter to learning which, in turn, improves motivation and reduces stress. We also know that children who practice drama develop a good sense of self-discipline by showing perseverance and by developing ideas within a group.

If this is not yet part of our compulsory educational programme in schools, then our task at the centre is to help with services so that it can at least be done on a part-time basis, after normal school hours.

We believe it is important to raise a society that understands values and supports theatre as an art form. Our wish is that more people share similar views and join us for next year’s inter-school show.

Contributed