St Benedict’s College takes top honour at prestigious high school theatre festival

St Benedict’s College has established itself as a leading force in South African school theatre after its production of The Other Side of the House won the Best Production award at the 2025 Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA), along with five other major accolades.

The festival, widely regarded as the country’s premier high school theatre competition, was held at Johannesburg’s Joburg Theatre and featured 66 productions from around 50 schools nationwide.

Written and directed by student Omolemo Pesha, The Other Side of the House is a psychological thriller exploring themes of grief, isolation, and a mind on the brink, accompanied by the haunting soundtrack of Nina Simone.

The production secured multiple awards, including Best Actor for Ditiro Simelane, Best Supporting Actor for Sikolakhe Manaswe, Best Director for Pesha, Best Special Effects for Michael van Esch and Soneesh Govender, and the Special Award for Best Stage Crew, led by stage manager Soneesh Govender alongside Bokang Mohau, Ikechukwu Ejike, Warona Moloantoa, Tumelo Maboya, Lutho Manjingolo, Siyabonga Sibeko, and Nathan Chakwamba.

The production was selected as the overall winner from an elite group of five finalists. Other finalists included theatre powerhouses such as St John’s College and St Stithians.

The Other Side of the House had earned eight nominations across major categories, including Best Script, Best Costume, and Best Set Design, highlighting its wide-ranging recognition.

St Benedict’s second FEDA entry, Tharo, written and directed by matric student Zach Scullard, also garnered praise for its technical and artistic excellence. The production was nominated for Best Set Design and received commendations from theatre professionals Carol Fields and Jacques Da Silva, who described it as “intelligent, sophisticated, superbly rehearsed theatre.” Tharo was particularly noted for its masterful stage management, elegant transitions, and a polished team effort operating at a professional level.

Founded in 2004, FEDA provides a platform for high school students to showcase original and published works, adjudicated by established theatre professionals. The festival has become a launchpad for the country’s emerging theatre talent.

Michelle Douglas, Head of Drama at St Benedict’s College, commented on the event: “The atmosphere on finals night was electric. In a jam-packed theatre brimming with excitement, five of the country’s most talented school theatre ensembles faced off in what can only be described as a celebration of youth artistry at its highest level. It was an evening we will never forget.” She added, “This historic achievement represents more than theatrical excellence – it showcases the extraordinary creative vision and artistic maturity of our students. Our boys have proven that culture and the arts are as fundamental to our identity as academic achievement and sporting prowess.”

The success follows months of preparation, with Tharo developing throughout 2024 and rehearsed intensively during Term 2. The Other Side of the House underwent a rigorous creative process under Pesha’s direction. Douglas emphasised the values demonstrated by the students: “Our boys have shown that creativity, discipline, and bold artistic risk-taking are core values that define our school’s character.”

St Benedict’s last won a major drama festival in 2007 at the Repertory Amateur Players Society (RAPS) with the production Reverse Inebriation. This latest victory at FEDA 2025 marks a significant milestone, cementing the Johannesburg school’s reputation as a major player in South African school theatre.

For more information on St Benedict’s arts and drama programs, visit www.stbenedicts.co.za or follow Facebook @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.

Nominations for The Other Side of the House:

• Best Script: Omolemo Pesha

• Best Director: Omolemo Pesha

• Best Actor: Ditiro Simelane

• Best Supporting Actor: Sikolakhe Manaswe

• Best Costume: Ditiro Simelane and Sikolakhe Manaswe

• Best Special Effects: Michael van Esch and Soneesh Govender

• Best Set Design: Omolemo Pesha

Special Award – The Thembisile Baai Award for Best Stage Crew:

• Soneesh Govender (Stage Manager)

• Bokang Mohau

• Ikechukwu Ejike

• Warona Moloantoa

• Tumelo Maboya

• Lutho Manjingolo

• Siyabonga Sibeko

• Nathan Chakwamba

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