DCAS drama programme products win big at Zabalaza Festival

The annual Zabalaza Festival concluded with a proud moment for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s (DCAS) drama programme, as two groups of the programme’s beneficiaries won big at the festival awards ceremony.

The productions Ek, Eva! and Wats Oppie Menu were both nominated for four awards and won two each.

“Ek, Eva” was included in the festival’s main programme after winning the 2019 DCAS drama finals. “Wats oppie Menu” was written and directed by previous DCAS drama finals winner, Samuel Jumat, with a cast who have been part of the programme for the past seven years.

The awards were as follows:

• Best Supporting Actress: Brutney Singrew, from Ek, Eva!

• Most innovative Production: Ek, Eva!

• Best Director: Samuel Jumat

• Most Promising Production: Wats Oppie Menu

• Ek, Eva! and Wats Oppie Menu were also nominated for Best Script and for Overall Winning Production

Now in its tenth year, the DCAS drama programme sees acting, writing and directing classes hosted in the Cape Winelands and Garden Route district municipalities.

The participating groups then go on to compete in regional drama festivals, with the winners and runners-up qualifying to compete at the annual DCAS drama finals, which form part of Suidoosterfees each year.

The winners of the finals then move on to the professional ranks by receiving a place in the main programme at Zabalaza Festival, as was the case with Ek, Eva.

DCAS and its partners aim to develop the arts by offering valuable opportunities to talented young drama practitioners.