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They Dazzled Germany Together and Now They Graduate Together

They Dazzled Germany Together and Now They Graduate Together

It was a proud moment for the talented Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Drama and Production Studies students, who were part of the cast that performed at the Folkwang Shakespeare Festival 2018 in Essen, Germany. This group of students graduated together this afternoon (Thursday, 09 May 2019) at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban.

The Head of Department of Drama and Production Studies, Professor Debbie Lutge, who also directed the play, The Taming of the Shrew, which received a standing ovation from the audience in Germany, said that she was very proud of the achievements of this group of talented DUT students.

“Witnessing history being made as the second group of DUT Drama and Production Studies students experience more standing ovations at the Folkwang Shakespeare Festival 2018 in Essen, Germany – is a moment that touches your heart with a deep love impossible to describe; a moment that makes you hold your breath in thanks; a moment that makes you so proud of the journey of these beloved young performers that you weep with joy,” she said proudly.

“This is a group of young men and woman who, on visiting Cologne’s famous gothic Cathedral as tourists and learning the service would be commencing which barred tourist activities, opted to experience the service, pray for their own success, and thereafter offer up a rousing IsiZulu prayer for our Executive Dean, who had been hospitalised. This moving supplication, followed by a haunting and beautifully harmonised IsiZulu hymn – to the delight of the congregation – finalised in a spontaneous gumboot dance outside the massive Cologne Cathedral doors to a packed deeply crowded semi-circle of applauding tourists. How could anyone not be touched by such very special artists who elicited jubilation on their return from this special graduating class of 2018,” she narrated elatedly.

One of the students who was part of the group, Lulama Nyembezi thanked Prof Lutge for her support and guidance throughout their journey, he also recalled his experience in Germany. “I can’t take away that being part of the selected group to go to Germany was definitely a lifetime opportunity, one has to be entirely grateful for. Not only did we go to represent DUT, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa but Africa as a whole. We always knew what was expected of us as a group and we had to make sure that we prepare ourselves fully. Prof Lutge was truly there with us every step of the way in making sure that we are ready to perform at an international level,” said Nyembezi.

Another student who was part of the team, Simangaliso Zungu also shared his memories of his experience in Germany. “This might be a little bit embarrassing however, it was my first time, at the age of 22 being on an aeroplane. To my disappointment it was not as glamorous as I thought; perks of travelling long distances I presume, you know, jet legs and stuff.  However, I will fast forward to Germany. This country was out of this world, a complete heaven. Having to represent a whole continent in another country has to be by far my biggest accomplishment so far in my life. Meeting people from Finland, Palestine and Germany itself, seeing them acknowledge the perspective of acting gave me goosebumps,” he said excitedly.

Pictured: The group of DUT’s Drama and Production Studies students after their graduation.

Nduduzo Ndlovu

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