“Acting is a very personal process. It has to do with expressing your own personality, and discovering the character you’re playing through your own experience – so we’re all different” (Ian McKellen). This quote accurately describes the Inter-House plays, as each actress flawlessly played her own character, adding in bits of her own personality and characteristics as well as conveying who she was to the audience. It was magnificent to witness and each different actress brought their own sparkle to the stage, each making up the piece of the glittering stars showcasing their talents before us.
The MCs, Lilitha Mali and Omhle Bissett, insured that the audience was entertained at all times and effortlessly ensured that the plays had smooth introductions. Backstage, the lighting and sound crew made sure that each set was perfect for their production.
Up first, was the Elton play directed by Usixolise Sana taking an Alice in Wonderland theme. The highlights of the production were certainly Siphesihle Fali playing the caterpillar (which was created by using a sleeping bag, blow up mattress and skateboard – truly creative and clever) and Lilitha Njokweni as the queen, screaming “Off with her head! Off with her head! Off with her head!”. She would truly have given Helena Bonham Carter a run for her money! The audience was transported into Wonderland and truly felt that they were Alice that had fallen down the rabbit hole.
Next up was Eleanor with their rendition of “Drop Dead Juliet” – a twist on Romeo and Juliet, directed by Ondela Nkumanda. After dissatisfied actors called for a change to the script and demanded a better love story in which there are no star-crossed lovers, chaos erupts and they realize that writing a play is not as easy as it seems. Throughout the play, little comments were passed which hilariously teased the original play. For a Grade 9, special mention must be made of Alexcey Afrika, for her poise and talented speaking. It was truly amazing to watch such an entertaining production. Ondela Nkumanda says, “It was FANTASTIC! The ladies did an amazing job executing the play.”
Last, but not least, Elizabeth took the stage. Directed by Khanya Jantjies and Uthimna Hobongwana, the play showed actors getting ready for a school play. Lihle Zonyane had the audience in stitches with her expression in not only her voice but in her face, as she played Mr O’ Neill. It takes an immense amount of talent to produce such a brilliant play and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it. The Elizabeth girls were proud of their fellow house mates, and cheered loudly throughout the performance.
During the first interval, the band played “Beautiful Girls” and had the audience bobbing in their seats, swaying side to side and singing along. Riebeek truly has very talented singers and band members. During the second interval, Mr Calitz performed his version of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud” which had the audience (especially the Matrics) singing along at the top of their lungs.
Adjudicating the plays were Miss Potgieter and Riebeek’s very own Mrs Woods! We are very appreciative that Mrs Woods took the time out of her day to come and adjudicate the plays and as she says “waking up early to come”! It was amazing to see her again and the girls cheered loudly for her. Mrs Woods truly embodies the saying “Once a Riebeek Girl, Always a Riebeek Girl” and still shows dedication to her school, even in her retirement. She offered much appreciated and influential advice, which the girls will take into consideration when planning their next production. 
The results were as follows:

• The Amanda Forrest Trophy for a Dynamic Cameo Performance: Zamakhuma Makwabe, Elton
• The Riebeek Old Girls’ Association Cup for the best performance in a supporting role: Phumza Mandla, Elton
• The Margaret Bowes Cup for the Second Best Actress: Lilitha Njokweni, Elton
• The Hilton Preston Cup for the Best Actress: Lihle Zonyane, Elizabeth
• The Erica Gillmer Cup for the Best lighting, stage effects and set arrangements: Elton
• The Edith Dovey Award for Teamwork: Eleanor
• The Edith Dovey and Sherril Chaplin Cup for Best Production: Elton

Heather Wilkinson, portfolio Head of the Plays, says that “It was amazing to see everyone’s hard work finally come together in front of the school. I am so happy that they were so well received by the audience, as they really put in a lot of effort to perform such magnificent and interesting plays.”
Special thanks to Heather Wilkinson, Mrs Gerber, the Band and Mr Calitz, the Cultural Board, Miss Potgieter and Mrs Woods, Miss Mintoor and Mrs Shelver for a wonderful event.