
The Buffalo City Creative Arts Eisteddfod held a special awards event for the drama prize winners at the Guild Theatre on Monday evening.
The ELFEST prize winners were given the opportunity to perform some of their work on stage.
The line up included young artists and performers from grade R to grade 12 from various schools.
The Art Eisteddfod was held at Belgravia Art Centre in June and the Drama Eisteddfod began the first session on June 12, ending on September 13.
Sessions were held over a total of 32 days, with about 2,000 entries.
The young artists were able to submit their drama and group poetry, monologues and original verses in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
ELFEST chair Sandra Marais said: “The artwork and dramatic performances were of a high standard as is attested to by the number of awards above 90% and those receiving medals and trophies for 95% and above.
“The high school categories received the highest entries for poetry, monologues and public speaking.
“Primary schools enjoyed the challenge of producing original work, while most entrants responded well to the humour, imagery, rhyme and rhythm of the poetry presentations.
“Acting is what all the performers love to do which made the monologue, duologue and dramatised poetry categories popular choices.
“Public speaking attracted at least 200 entries of humorous and profound topics,” Marais said.
Nomonde Makene, who was at the event to support her daughter, Khanya, a grade 10 pupil from Grens High School, who received an award for her performance of Die Kaapse Seun.
“I am very excited, she is doing very well, not just in drama, but in all her subjects. I am very happy.
“Doing drama as an extra-curricular activity has helped her become more comfortable and confident.
“It is also exciting for me to meet other parents because I know their children through my child.
“It is a very interesting experience,” Makene said.