Stella Maris retain French drama trophy
Stella Maris Secondary School of Blantyre on Saturday retained the French drama contest for secondary schools.
With their play, Fin de Larmes (The end of tears), Stella Maris proved to five judges they were better than Likuni Boys of Lilongwe, which came second with their comme on fait son lit, on se couche (How you make your bed, you sleep in it) and third placed Rumphi-based Phwezi Girls’ Les Dossiers Vole (Stolen documents). Dedza, Jacaranda from Blantyre, Providence Girls from Mulanje, Lilongwe Girls and Marymount of Mzuzu shared the rest of the five positions.
It was Stella Maris’ Bongani Banda who got the best actress slot while Dedza’s Sunday Mchemera won the best actor award, going home with mountain bikes. Jacaranda’s Franklin Rashid and Marymount’s Nomsa Nungu won the best French speaking accolades, going home with bikes as well.
Judges Macarthur Matukuta, Bester Kalombo, Mwandipa Chimaliro, Prince Chimasula and Taona Muyaya had a hard time choosing the winners in a tight race at Jacaranda in Blantyre.
“All schools are winners and it was difficult as judges to see who would get the prizes. I only wish those that did not make it to the top will see how their colleagues were creative,” said Matukuta on behalf of his fellow judges.
Honorary Consul for the French government Luc Deschamps said the plays, based on the theme Ce qu’on seme, on recolte (You reap what you saw), exposed various areas of Malawi life.
“They tackled murder, corruption, betrayal, incest and many other vices that rock the Malawi scene. I am happy with the level of French language skills,” he said.
Organising chairperson Poya Chapweteka said he was equally impressed with the turnout, while McChancy Mkamanga, commercial manager for sponsors Total Malawi promised increased sponsorship.
“We heard most of the schools had problems with fuel and next year, we commit fuel to those travelling for the finals,” said Mkamanga.
