As the 120^th year was coming closer, we thought about starting 2023 off in an exceptional way. Clarendon High School for Girls is not only rich with academic mastery, but also creative talent. Our pupils deserved a chance to demonstrate this to East London. Music always brings people together and gives them a stronger sense of belonging. The idea of choosing a musical further emphasizes the celebration of 120 years, of sisterhood and female empowerment. A big deciding factor for our production options was the number of females leads and characters. Sister Act! has never been staged in East London, and with over twenty female roles it seemed like a perfect fit. The message of sisterhood and selflessness within this play, is in fact quite beautiful and true to Clarendon High School for Girls. The last few years have been difficult for everyone, and it is a beautiful moment to be able to contribute towards reinforcing this theme within the lives of our students, and within the community.

This is our first BIG production since 2005, so we are very excited to use the Guild Theatre across the road from us. We have talented young music students who have volunteered their time to play in our live band, as well as past staff members who were so excited about this celebration that they also decided to join.

We have a wonderful set crew that has been working tirelessly on sets and have hired the assistance of Judy Raffan for the costumes. We opened up our auditions to our brother school, Selborne College, and have cast a few Selbornian performers as our male leads and ensemble members. Our students have been rehearsing with the choreographer, Cassie De Lange, tirelessly, and it has been no small feat.

We have been rehearsing Sister Act! since last year, fourth term, and the students have developed as a creative community. Wonderful themes are seen throughout the play, such as making new friendships, acceptance of others and self-discovery. The Sister Act! Play we have chosen Is the Broadway musical version, and so the dedication from both staff and students has been inspiring. For most of our cast, this is their first time performing in a large-scale production, but you would not assume this, as they have developed so much and become more confident in themselves. This dynamic within Sister Act! has become reality at Clarendon High School for Girls.

I hope that the audiences leave the show taking away some of the core themes within Sister Act! It is truly a joyous moment for us and I believe that people will feel the same way. I hope that our learners will apply the valuable skills they have developed such as time management, commitment and perseverance into their futures going forward. I hope that learners are inspired to pursue their dreams, whether they are aspiring Drama students or accountants, they now know they can challenge themselves with regards to their comfort zone and reevaluate the impact they actually have at school. As many of them have already realized, every voice counts.

Sister Act! will be running from Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April at the Guild Theatre from 18:30. There will also be a Saturday matinee at 13:00. Early bird tickets are available for R120 until midnight, 12 April. Thereafter they will be sold at R150 a ticket. You can purchase your tickets on Computicket online or at certain Checkers or Shoprite retailers. The show is about two hours long with a 15-minute interval. We would like to encourage East Londoners to support our new venture.

QUOTES

Mrs. Michelle Wiseman (Musical Director):

“Sister Act! has been an enriching experience for me as a teacher, conductor and musician. This music is truly remarkable, and it has been a joy seeing it all come together.”

Miss Angela Kobus (Band Director):

“It has been a privilege working with such talented and dedicated musicians, both students and adults. Their level of performance has been most impressive.”

Mrs. Julie Patrick (Principal):

“Clarendon High School for Girls is a school of excellence, impact and opportunity.  Sister Act! speaks to these three words.  It provides a wonderful opportunity for the participants to be a part of a large production, showcasing the excellence of our Music and Drama departments and will no doubt impact those who watch it and are involved in it.  We hope our Thursday morning show, which we have prioritized as a community show, will also have an impact.  We are looking forward to the support of the East London community at large, in celebrating our 120th Birthday in song and dance.”

Ashleigh Daines (Director)

Written by A. Daines so any of the sentences indicating personal pronouns are my opinions, so they can be used as a quote from me.