St Benedict’s College takes top honour at 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.

- STAFF REPORTER

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 SO 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.