Learners with disabilities steal the show at Shakespeare festival
In a heartwarming milestone for inclusive education and the performing arts, learners from a special needs school in Brackenfell took center stage for the first time at the 15th annual Shakespeare Schools Festival in Cape Town. Their performance over the weekend brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to an audience at the District Six Homecoming Centre.
The Brackenfell-based Paarl School for the Neural Disabled presented a captivating adaptation of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, marking a historic moment not only for the school but also for the festival, which has been running for over a decade.
The festival, which continues through 31 May, is a flagship event in South Africa’s arts education calendar, aiming to foster inclusivity, creativity, and language development among schoolchildren through the works of the Bard.
Shakespeare Schools Festival Welcomes Brackenfell Learners with Disabilities
This year’s event saw the inclusion of learners with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and physical impairments — a testament to the power of the arts to transcend limitations and unite communities.
Performers included 24 learners, seven of whom use wheelchairs. The group was supported by seven dedicated teachers and three aides who helped make the experience seamless for the learners both on and off the stage.
The students dazzled in whimsical costumes, with some decorating their wheelchairs with flowers. The crowd responded with resounding laughter and applause throughout the performance, culminating in a standing ovation that moved both performers and audience members alike.
Marais explained that due to the learners’ challenges with reading and writing, the play was adapted into accessible language, omitting Shakespeare’s complex Elizabethan English. The focus was instead placed on expression, movement, and storytelling, enabling learners to connect with the material and shine in their own unique ways.
The journey to the stage was not without its challenges. Accessibility to and within the theatre required innovative solutions, including the installation of mobile ramps to accommodate wheelchair users.
The performance aligns with the Shakespeare Schools Festival’s broader mission — to empower young people from diverse backgrounds to express themselves, collaborate, and gain confidence through performance.
Cape Town’s Shakespeare Festival Showcases Over 45 Drama Groups
The Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa, which runs through the end of May at the District Six Homecoming Centre, features over 45 drama groups from across the country. Schools from various communities come together to perform their interpretations of Shakespeare’s classics, adapted to suit different cultures, languages, and learner needs.
Beyond just celebrating theatre, the festival is a platform for social change, promoting inclusion, bridging cultural gaps, and giving learners a voice through the arts.
As applause filled the theatre and performers took their final bows, the significance of the moment was undeniable. For these young learners from Brackenfell, it wasn’t just about Shakespeare — it was about being seen, celebrated, and included.
In a world where access to cultural experiences is often limited for those with disabilities, their performance served as a beacon of progress in South African arts and education. Through the magic of theatre, barriers were broken, confidence was built, and memories were made that will last a lifetime.
Experience the magic of the Shakespeare Schools Festival in Cape Town before it wraps up on 31 May at the District Six Homecoming Centre. Featuring over 45 school drama groups, including learners from special needs schools, the festival offers fresh and inclusive takes on classic Shakespeare plays.
It’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and youth talent in the performing arts. Whether you’re a theatre lover or simply curious, it’s an opportunity to support young performers from across different communities. For show schedules, ticket information, and more details, visit the official Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa website and be part of the experience.
Source- EWN
