​Bulawayo Theatre was buzzing last Friday night, 30 October 2026, as high school talent took center stage for the High Schools Theatre Night, hosted as part of the 5th Edition of the Kwantuthu Comedy Festival. For a modest $5 advance ticket, or $10 at the door, art lovers and kasi youth were treated to one of the most vibrant, thought-provoking theatrical showcases Bulawayo has seen all year.

The night focused on an issue hitting close to home across our communities: drug and substance abuse. Rather than taking a clinical or preachy approach, the young playwrights and actors brought raw passion, sharp humor, and hard-hitting realism to the stage, proving that youth-led creative expression remains one of our most effective tools for social change.

Each school brought its own unique flavor to the stage. St Dominic’s Convent delivered a gripping performance that kept the audience hooked, while Riverdale Academy made their presence felt with spirited energy on home-court footing. However, the evening truly turned into a showdown between Eveline High School and St Augustine.

Eveline High School captivated the auditorium with brilliantly constructed dialogue and rich character depth, sweeping the accolades for Best Manuscript and Best Actress. Not to be outdone, St Augustine put on a masterclass in stage presence and dramatic execution, taking home Best Actor and deservedly claiming the crown as the Overall Winner of the festival.

It was a stellar Friday night out that showcased the undeniable artistic talent breeding in our local schools. Supporting our youth in spaces like Bulawayo Theatre reminds us why local arts matter and it was easily the best $5 spent all weekend.