The talented boys of St Benedict’s College have once again proven their theatrical prowess. In a gripping storyline that explores themes of grief, isolation, and a mind on the brink, the student-written school theatre production, The Other Side of the House, has clinched the coveted Best Production award at the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts!
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 July 2025) – What happens when you give teenage boys the creative freedom to explore themes of grief, isolation, and mental health on stage? St Benedict’s College has just discovered the answer, and it looks a lot like a cabinet full of trophies!
Their bold, student-written and directed production, The Other Side of the House, swept the board at South Africa’s premier high school theatre festival, claiming six major awards, including the coveted Best Production title, ahead of 65 other schools.
Written and directed by student Omolemo Pesha, the production is a psychological thriller that explores themes of grief, isolation, and a mind on the brink, set to the haunting soundtrack of Nina Simone.
This powerful production dominated the awards ceremony, securing Best Actor (Ditiro Simelane), Best Supporting Actor (Sikolakhe Manaswe), Best Director (Omolemo Pesha), Best Special Effects (Michael van Esch and Soneesh Govender), Best Stage Crew (Soneesh Govender – stage manager, Bokang Mohau, Ikechukwu Ejike, Warona Moloantoa, Tumelo Maboya, Lutho Manjingolo, Siyabonga Sibeko and Nathan Chakwamba) and the ultimate prize, Best Production of FEDA 2025!
The production was selected from an elite field of just five finalists out of 66 competing productions from around 50 schools nationwide.
FEDA, founded in 2004 and held annually at Johannesburg’s prestigious Joburg Theatre, is widely regarded as the crown jewel of South African high school theatre festivals.
“The atmosphere on finals night was electric. In a jam-packed theatre brimming with excitement, five of the country’s most talented school theatre ensembles faced off in what can only be described as a celebration of youth artistry at its highest level, commented St Benedict’s College Head of Drama, Michelle Douglas.
“It was an evening we will never forget.”
Douglas added that the historic achievement represents more than theatrical excellence; it showcases the extraordinary creative vision and artistic maturity of the school’s students.
“Our boys have proven that culture and the arts are as fundamental to our identity as academic achievement and sporting prowess.”
The Other Side of the House earned an unprecedented eight nominations across major categories, including Best Script, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Costume, and Best Special Effects before advancing to the finals alongside theatre giants St John’s College and St Stithians.
The triumph follows an equally impressive showing by the school’s second FEDA entry, Tharo, written and directed by matric student Zach Scullard.
“To have two productions of this calibre emerge from our school in a single year demonstrates the depth of creative talent within our community,” says Douglas.
“These young men have raised the bar for school theatre and shown what can be achieved when students are empowered to tell their stories with authenticity and vision.”
The college’s FEDA triumph caps off months of intensive preparation, with Tharo developing throughout 2024 before four weeks of intensive Term 2 rehearsals, while The Other Side of the House underwent its own rigorous creative process under Pesha’s direction.
“Our boys have demonstrated that creativity, discipline, and bold artistic risk-taking are core values that define our school’s character,” concludes a proud Douglas.
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