Paul Strydom, a Grade 11 learner at Parel Vallei High School, was crowned the overall winner of the 2022 National Acting Competition at the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 21 May.
The gruelling competition process included performing a monologue, improvisation, prose and poem in the elimination rounds, followed by the top-16 multimedia round (television screen test on the set of Suidooster) and a dialogue at the RSG studio to test their radio suitability.
At the gala event, the top eight finalists presented a 12-minute programme on the Opera House stage at Artscape, before the winners were announced. Paul cleared the award decks, winning the prize for the Best Radio Performance and Best Poem, before receiving the trophy for the overall winner of the 2022 National Acting Competition.
Talia Roux, a Grade 12 learner at PV, was awarded the prize for Best Monologue, while Zané Habig (Grade 12) advanced to the top eight, Nina Strydom (Grade 9) to the top 32 and Jenna-lee Roets to the top 85. These learners will also be seen in PV’s Tienertoneel productions at The Playhouse Theatre before competing in various festivals and competitions later this year.
“Many hours of work, practise and learning lines can only be driven by the absolute passion of an intelligent and sensitive performer. We look forward to Paul’s growth in the dramatic arts as a subject, but also to his footsteps in the theatre, television and film industry,” said Darryl Spijkers, head of Parel Vallei Culture. “PV is truly blessed with so much talent and a thriving drama department.”
