The stage is set for a dynamic celebration of youth theatre as the 16th annual Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA) returns to the iconic Baxter Theatre from Wednesday, May 6, until Saturday, May 23.
This year, 42 schools will converge to present bold, fast-paced, and highly engaging versions of the Bard’s classic plays.
Three Western Cape schools will be performing their abridged, 30 to 45 minute versions of the Shakespeare play of their choice: Dante Alighieri Cultural Institute, in Gardens, will be performing Romeo and Juliet in Italian; The Pioneer School for the Blind, in Worcester, will perform Titus Andronicus, and Curro Somerset West will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The institute promotes Italian language and culture globally. The Cape Town branch offers language courses, which they have introduced in numerous schools, including Westerford High School.
Italian as an integrated subject in numerous schools across Cape Town and its surrounding areas, in accordance with the standards set by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
Among these, Westerford High School stands out as one of the leading schools in the Western Cape. For over a decade, Italian has been part of its academic offering, available to students as either a core or elective subject.
Institute managing director Federica Za said that the Italian performance of the tragic romance by 15 Westerford pupils, directed by Professor Enrico Bermani, at the festival, marks a significant cultural milestone.
"We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing the beauty of the Italian language and culture with a wider audience through this unique performance," she said.
SSFSA founder Kseniya Filinova said that the festival is renowned for its innovative approach, challenging pupils, many stepping onto a professional stage for the first time.
The result is a showcase of youthful creativity that makes Shakespeare accessible and relatable for contemporary audiences.
She said that the festival is Shakespeare at its most immediate and entertaining, proving that the classic stories remain relevant today.
This year's line-up is a testament to the festival's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Newcomers include the Società Dante Alighieri, presenting Romeo and Juliet in Italian, and Paarl School, joining a vibrant community of participating institutions like De La Bat School, Pioneer School, both in Worcester, and Vista Nova, in Pinelands.
The festival creates a space where young people can experiment, collaborate, and explore themes from identity and power to love and belonging through the lens of Shakespeare’s enduring narratives.
"This festival is more than just a showcase of talent; it’s a celebration of creativity, courage, and the power of young voices to inspire change and connect communities," said Filinova.
Beyond the performances, the festival supports participants with master classes and workshops, fostering skills like confidence, teamwork, and creative thinking that extend well beyond the theatre.
The return to the Baxter Theatre elevates the experience for both performers and the public, offering a chance to see South Africa's emerging talent in a professional setting.
Ms Filinova said audiences should expect unexpected twists, modern interpretations, and plenty of creative risk-taking, proving Shakespeare is anything but outdated.
Performances run Monday to Saturday, starting at 7pm. Tickets, priced from R75 to R150, are available via Webtickets.
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