As the curtain falls on this year’s ATKV Tienertoneel regional festival in Bloemfontein, the UFS Department of Drama and Theatre Arts alumni have once again proven that they are an integral part of the theatrical landscape in the region, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theatre and performance. 

With alumnus Schoemé Steenkamp as assistant organiser, the ATKV Tienertoneel took place at the iconic Wynand Mouton Theatre on the UFS campus from 5 - 12 August 2023 and comprised of 36 productions from across the region. The festival not only showcased the exceptional young theatrical talents of high school learners, but also the creativity, dedication, and excellent skills of several alumni from the Drama Department. Out of the 36 productions, four were chosen by the judges (with Marijda Kamper, a staff member of the Department, being one of them) to perform in the final that took place on the last day.  Among the four finalists, the alumni of the Department excelled with Vry by Chanmari Erasmus with students from C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, and Afspiegeling by Martinette Spoelstra and Dr Neil van Niekerk with students from Eunice High School. Afspiegeling was written by Ilne Fourie, also an alumnus of the Department.

At the award ceremony, Vry, masterfully directed by Erasmus, emerged as the winner of the prestigious Best Production Award. The Best Ensemble Award was given to Koebaai ou Koba, en ander Kaskenades deur Tehuis De Oude Akkers, an adaptation by the previous Head of the Drama Department, Prof. Nico Luwes, that was staged by alumni Elandi Theron and Trudie Bester with students from Hoërskool Kalahari. 

The successes of these alumni serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence fostered by the Department. The consistent ability of its alumni to not only participate but excell in events on this level, speaks volumes about the Department’s quality of education and training. 

Prof. Anthea van Jaarsveld, Head of the Department, expressed her pride in these achievements: "We are thrilled to witness our graduates making their mark in the theatre industry. The skills, creativity, and passion they bring to the stage continue to be a source of inspiration for aspiring young talents and remain a reflection of this Department’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of theatre practitioners and its commitment to the arts by inspiring excellence.”