St Benedict’s College Wins Big at Drama Festival

by Admin · July 9, 2025

St Benedict’s College has won Best Production award for “The Other Side of the House”

St Benedict’s College has won the Best Production award at FEDA (Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts), South Africa’s biggest high school theatre competition. Their play, “The Other Side of the House”, also won five other major honours.

Written and directed by student Omolemo Pesha, “The Other Side of the House” is a psychological thriller that explores themes of grief, isolation, and a mind on the brink, set to the haunting soundtrack of Nina Simone. This powerful production dominated the awards ceremony, securing Best Actor (Ditiro Simelane), Best Supporting Actor (Sikolakhe Manaswe), Best Director (Omolemo Pesha), Best Special Effects (Michael van Esch and Soneesh Govender), Best Stage Crew (Soneesh Govender – stage manager, Bokang Mohau, Ikechukwu Ejike, Warona Moloantoa, Tumelo Maboya, Lutho Manjingolo, Siyabonga Sibeko and Nathan Chakwamba) and the ultimate prize – Best Production of FEDA 2025.

Their play was one of only five finalists chosen from 66 productions by about 50 schools across the country.

FEDA, held yearly at Joburg Theatre since 2004, is the most respected high school drama festival in South Africa. It gives young actors a professional stage to show off their talents.

Michelle Douglas, St Benedict’s Head of Drama, said the finals night was “electric.” She noted that this “historic achievement” highlights the “extraordinary creative vision and artistic maturity of our students.” Douglas added, “Our boys have proven that culture and the arts are as fundamental to our identity as academic achievement and sporting prowess.”

St Benedict’s also impressed with their second play, “Tharo,” written and directed by student Zach Scullard. Theatre experts praised “Tharo” as “intelligent, sophisticated, superbly rehearsed theatre.” It was even nominated for Best Set Design and recognised for its excellent technical work and professional stage management.

“To have two productions of this calibre emerge from our school in a single year shows how much creative talent we have,” Douglas commented. “These young men have raised the bar for school theatre and shown what’s possible when students can tell their stories authentically.”

www.stbenedicts.co.za , Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.