Issue no. 10

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Backstage

By Khanyisile Mokwena

Tradition is what makes a school unique, tradition gives a school its individuality. Tradition ties the people in a school together, despite their diversities and conflicts, tiffs and tats. Tradition binds people together in a way that very few other things can and it mulls over the very things that cause distraught.

But that’s specifically good tradition.

The Oxford dictionary defines tradition as; the passing on of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.

One of Penryn College’s traditions is House Plays, a creative, competitive house event. House Plays is an event filled with laughter and suspenseful silence as the actors perform a piece they have worked on for weeks.

On the day of the performances, we watch the lines and ideas come alive. Like magic, every actor slips into their role effortlessly, becoming a different person for one night only, after weeks of critiquing and scrutinising every single aspect of their roles.

When interviewing the best actor and best actress, we dug deep into how playing their roles shaped them as people and what they would change about the past now having been through the present.

Does experience make the actor?

When Mpilo .... and Unam .... were asked about how long they had been participating in the house plays, they answered simply, “4 Years.” but as we know, COVID took a lot from people. Including their opportunity to perform in the years 2020 and 2021.

Not every actor is going to like their role, some may even hate it but the execution is all that really matters.

When asked about their thoughts on the characters they had been given the task to portray, Unam expressed his excitement about getting to portray a drug dealer, a criminal who answers to a higher power. Mpilo shared this feeling of excitement about her role, what amused her most was the inside joke among the Kite matrics that brought this character into reality.

Scripts and lines can be a drag, the endless practising and memorising of words, sentences and phrases that make your character themselves. Not to mention cues, order and emotion.

When asked about how much of their lines they got to workshop, they responded saying “all of them”. A tradition that this brought about was improvising new lines at every practise, keeping it fresh and allowing practise for improvisation if anything went amiss at the final performance, in order to prepare for anything and everything.

This year’s topics were hard-hitting, current issues in South Africa. When asked about how the topic their house dealt with changed their perspectives and views on the current issues in South Africa, the actors emphasised how they would entirely forget the topic at times, getting lost in their roles and performance.

Staying conscious and informed of current affairs in the country and in the entire world is a tough task, especially in this day and age when mainly society and entertainment is pushed into your face.

Playing certain characters can completely alter a person’s way of life, way of thinking and how they are as a person entirely. They were asked about whether or not playing the characters they were given changed them in anyway.

Unam answered, “... it made me realise how easy it is to get involved in gang activity.” Bringing into play the amount of gang activity and violence in our everyday South Africa.

However, Mpilo's answer focused on how she was personally affected by playing a duel character. What she grew to love about her role, “It just made me grow to love my passion and taught me how to connect with switching between different characters.”

Both the actors who won best actor and best actress are not drama students, when asked about if they could go back to the past and take drama as a subject, Unam answered that he wouldn’t, though his love for drama is true and evident to everyone, it doesn’t fit in with his current life plan. Not every career path makes room for performance arts.

However, Mpilo welcomed the idea. “There’s doing something because you want to secure your future and there’s doing something because you’re passionate about it…” says the actress. The fine line between a passion that you have and a job you have to fulfil is clear, but which one pulls you is determined by the person.

Drama on the move

By Rhiannon Smith

On the 8th of March 2023, Drama students from Gr 10-12, and a few Gr 9 students all had the privilege to go on this wonderful experience. Very early on Wednesday, everyone had gathered by the buses and we had left by 4:37 in the morning. Thus embarked our journey, long bus rides all the way to the Joburg Theater, but truly in the end, all who were there can say it was worth it.

The play we went to see was Woza Albert! starring Hamilton Dhlamini and Thulani Mtsweni.

The Play is set in the apartheid era, taking into perspective many different characters, played by Hamilton Dhlamini and Thulani Mtsweni, as they traverse through the second coming of Christ. I will not tell you too much about the play as no explanation can describe and explain the experience of being in the audience and viewing this play for the first time; it is truly better to experience it first hand.

Woza Albert! is truly moving, and I believe everyone in the audience can agree on that, from the acting and spectacular performance from the actors, to the comedy and deeper meaning behind the act as a whole. It is definitely a must see. The way the actors were able to play each different character so quickly and portray them so brilliantly really ties everything together beautifully.

After the play had ended we had a Q&A session between the audience and the actors. Most of the questions were asked towards the production of the play and also to obtain a deeper understanding on how the actors were able to portray their characters and what they had to face over the course of preparing before taking the stage. There were questions asked to the actors on the difficulties they might have faced, the way the lighting played a role in the performance and even the stunts on stage, it was a beautiful insight into the production.

We were given a backstage tour after the Q&A session. Being guided through the stages and sets to an area where lighting directors had prepared lights and an explanation with the history and use of each light. Students sat down around on the stage as there were demonstrations of the lights and all the different ways to use them. It was interesting to learn how much happens backstage and everything that goes into the performance that one wouldn’t even notice beforehand.

The trip home began as we left Joburg; it was a long drive, but it was refreshing after the long day, you could truly catch your breath and indulge in the excitement and memories from this experience.

If you are considering taking drama and you have the opportunity to watch this play, I recommend you take the opportunity as it is such a wonderful experience and not just that alone, the play was an insight into history and acted out beautifully.

Rugby Tour

By Unam Sefani

On the 16th of March the first team rugby boys departed to Heronbridge College for the annual Heronbridge invitational. The boys were accompanied by their coaches, Mr Dean van der Merwe and Mr Monaheng Sililo as well as Head of the sports, Mr Xolani Grootboom.

As soon as they arrived at Heronbridge they were greeted by a warm welcome by the Heronbridge staff, and shown towards their rooms, where they would spend the next four days. The first event of the weekend was an afternoon captains run, led by captain Hlovo Ngobeni in preparation for the upcoming 3 consecutive days of rugby games. After the productive training session the boys were treated to supper at Heronbridge. To the surprise of the junior members of the team that would not be the end of the day. The final event of the day was the 1st team tradition of cutting hair.

After some questionable haircuts the boys called it a night.

The next morning brought the first challenge of the tour. A tough match against Curro Kathu with the boys unfortunately going down 36-24.

So it was back to the drawing board, with the captains and coaches having some serious talks with the boys, but before preparations for the tough match coming ahead began, the boys enjoyed a night out at Monte Casino.

The next day the boys took on the reigning Virseker Beker champions, Die Wilgers.

In an astonishing show of courage and tenacity the boys pulled of a comeback, from 15-0 at half time to give them their first win. Chris Mathebula scored the final try putting the boys behind by 1 with the kick to come. In an event of insanity and nerve, Ryan Moffett converted the try from a drop kick. With the boys winning 18-19, to give captain Hlovo Ngobeni a welcome birthday surprise.

On the final day the boys had went down to a rested Leeuwenhof side, unfortunately going down 34-0 to bring an end to the tour.

The boys enjoyed the overall experience and we as Penryn College thank Heronbridge for the beautiful event and cannot wait to do it again next year.

Art in the Mother City

By Bongi Ngoma

On Saturday the 18th of March 2023, Penryn College gathered its artists for the return of their annual Art Tour which would be hosted in Cape Town this year. After a long and exhausting first term, the scholars were thrilled to go have a look at some artworks while relaxing by the beach. Mr and Mrs Booysen had the pleasure of taking the scholars on their much-anticipated tour.

Upon arrival, they headed to Lanseria International Airport to board their flight. When they finally arrived in the ‘Mother City’, the jubilation filling the bus was almost tangible. They booked into their hotel and got ready for dinner at the V&A Waterfront. The day was long hence an early night was called.

Following a good night’s rest, the group got ready for their walking tour of Stellenbosch, where they saw some stunning sculptures while learning about the peaceful town's great history. At noon they returned to their hotel and some went to the waterfront to attend “The Cape Car” exhibition tour. Later in the afternoon, they headed to the Labia Theatre (the oldest Independent Art-Repertory Cinema in South Africa) to watch a movie. The movie educated the group on the importance of not being too quick to judge others and always offering a hand to those in need.

On Monday the scholars woke up eager to go to Robben Island but Mother Nature would stand in their way, bursting their bubbles with rough winds which made it unsafe to sail. New plans were made and “shopping until the card declined” was what they would do with their morning. That afternoon they visited the Two Oceans Aquarium opposite their hotel and experienced the beautiful marine life in both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, whilst learning the importance of preserving it.

Tuesday would be yet another long day as they would take on the streets of Salt River to learn more about the street art around the town and its importance in society. Street art was not the only thing they saw as they also had the privilege of visiting Bo-Kaap to have a look at their beautiful colourful houses and the stories behind them. After lunch, they headed to the Iziko South African National Art Gallery to see some of South Africa’s most iconic art pieces, such as the Butcher Boys sculpture, along with many others. The artworks helped tell a story of this country’s history going far back to the 1700s. The day would not end there but with a majestic view of the city at one of the seven wonders of the world, Table Mountain.

On Wednesday the scholars went to Hout Bay for a Seal Island Cruise where they learned more about this animal and its role in nature. After their cruise, they headed to the Norval Foundation to view some artworks and to finally draw their own pieces. The group then headed for their last supper and suddenly all the joy was wiped off their faces. The day they so desperately hoped would not arrive finally caught up with them and they packed their bags and prepared to board the flight back home. First they looked at some art pieces at Zeitz Mocca, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. The group was once again denied the chance of going to Robben Island due to the weather conditions. An alternative plan was made and they went for joy rides at an amusement park. That would mark the end of their chapter in Cape Town as we travelled to the Cape Town International Airport to return home. With travelling mercies, they arrived at Penryn College in the early hours of Friday morning.

One of the scholars, Tenhlanhla Gama, in Grade 11, was asked to share her experience of the tour and she said the following: “It all began on our way to Lanseria with Mr Pienaar’s incredible DJ skills and pizza for breakfast and only a stretch of road between me and the plane to take me to one of the best experiences of my life. The art tour was a blast! We were met with scenic views and beautiful artwork in both galleries and the streets. Although we did way too much walking in those six days than I do in a month, it was worth it. We were denied the chance to go to Robben Island due to the weather but we had a lot of great activities that made the disappointment vanish. We watched a great movie in the Labia theatre which is the oldest independent cinema in South Africa, went on a seal island cruise, visited museums, and galleries as well as the aquarium, and had divine meals from fancy restaurants. One of my highlights was Mr Booysen’s stand-up comedy shows. As an art student, I am grateful for the opportunity that came with a lovely experience and I couldn’t have had a better start to my holiday. The tour provided us with the platform to get to know each other better hence my only regret was getting on our return flight.”

Mrs Booysen expressed gratitude for an amazing tour whilst extending an invitation to the Art Tour which will be in Spain around September next year! More information regarding that tour to follow later in the year.

Play for the badge on the shirt

By Nikita Mathebula

Derby week has everyone feeling energised whether it be in spirit or gameplay on the field. The student’s cheers can be heard around the school whilst the heads of spirit lead in song. This rally's up to the students whose cheers uphold the honour of the school along with the gruelling gameplay of the players. On the battlefield, the morale of the players never seems to waver, as they put in 100% of their effort showing everyone what Penryn Pride is. United as a school, Penryn goes for the tackle, dribble, shoot, rebut, hit, and checkmate. The students in victory or defeat support each other and strive to achieve better results. Whether it be in rugby, tennis, chess, netball, hockey, or debating the students do it for the badge they wear on their shirts. Each victory or defeat is a motivation to do better. Teachers and students are all hands on deck while preparing for the exciting and tiresome week, but the results always prove to be rewarding.

The tension between the two schools can be felt as they stand side by side cheering at the top of their voices, watching one of the teams playing their hearts out. Despite growing tired the players continue to work their best doing it not only for themselves but for the badge they wear on their shirt.

A beautiful badge that holds honour with the colours red, white and blue. It is an amazing feeling to be in the presence of both schools as they battle it out for the title of victor. In losing and in winning Penryn does it with grace, dignity and humility, paying respect to the opposition and the well-played game. Penryn with visions bright and clear never loses hope even when things don't go as planned during Derby week because Penryn’s sights are set on higher goals. The Penryn / Uplands Derby is overall an extraordinary experience where we as Penryn join together and work as a unit to showcase our hard efforts and work, be it on the sport field to the tennis courts.

Penryn and Uplands may be rivals on the field but friends at heart. The Derby is not only the highlight of some individual’s year, but an emotional week as well. Starting with the emotion of joy, delight, and happiness behind the first win to the heartache and sadness behind the last loss. The Penryn Uplands Derby is an absolute roller-coaster throughout, filled with pride, passion and memories that will last forever, but most importantly the Derby is a week in which the days are about having fun, and enjoying the moment. During the Derby if you look around all you will see is the enjoyment and delight on the faces of the people as they pass by.

Overall the Penryn and Uplands Derby’s are memorable experiences that go down in history for both schools.

All the best!

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