Arts Views with Thabani H Moyo
IT was a rare occasion when youths got packed at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday 27 November 2021. This time around worship took another dimension, it was done in style as Bulawayo’s top three Deaneries battled for the top drama award.
The Youth Drama Competitions organised The Sodality Of Our Lady was themed “Rediscovering and fulfilling God’s mission as families as we emulate St Joseph.” In her opening remarks Mrs Sithabile Moyo highlighted that the competition was aimed engaging young people and making sure that they live fruitful lives. The competition comes on the backdrop of COVID 19 pandemic that saw a lot of young people engaging in disruptive behaviours that resulted in most of them getting into trouble or getting depressed and committing suicides.
The Youth Drama Competitions are aimed changing lives of most youths and adults who might be behaving wayward. The three Deaneries battled for the top prize of a Floating Shield and prize money of 200USD.
The Deaneries were Eastern Deanery represented by St Antony’s, Northwest Deanery represented by Uganda Martyrs and Soweto Deanery represented Holy Family. The performances were captivating and engaging.
The highlights were how the youth get involved in drugs. In almost all the presentation it was highlighted how family is important in the growth and life of young people. The winning piece came from St Antony’s which gave a splendid performance that followed a storytelling, motion pictures and still images to tell their story. The same piece also scooped Best supporting actor award and Best actress award.
The guest of honour was His Grace: Archbishop Alex Thomas. The Archbishop was impressed by the presentations to the extent that he gave out prizes to all script writers from his pocket. In his message The Archbishop warned the youth to make right choices today as they will have an impact in their future. He also had strong words for parents who abdicate their responsibilities of taking care of their children in pursuit of pleasure. He said such acts were an abomination in the eyes of God.
The event was supported by National Blood Services, Lobels, National Aids Council of Zimbabwe, Wilsgrove and Econet Zimbabwe. The adjudicators for the day were Matesu Dube of Umkhathi Theatre Works, William Nyandoro from National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Bridget Sayers an Arts Educator from Gifford High School
