TEKKIES TRANSFIXED BY LOVELY LADIES

Pule Mmula and ...

As a boys' school, the Tekkies Grade 12s were delighted that the Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria seats 400 people and the remaining 340 seats were occupied by various girls' schools. As the first to arrive, our designated seats were in the four front rows. The Tekkies took to their seats eagerly, thankful to be so close to the stage.

But alas ... not for long! As the girls' schools arrived and were placed behind or across the aisles from our Tekkies, much consternation followed. Suddenly, I had mutiny on my hands! Being seated in the front four rows lost all its appeal. Consequently, I had to manage a number of requests to move to seats that were not designated to Tekkies but allowed interaction with the girls, who, I must point out, appeared to be very pleased to meet our guys. Since Othello is a drama of many themes - the different reactions from the boys and girls added to the enjoyment of the play. The girls empathised with Desdemona, Bianca and Emilia while the boys found Iago's evil machinations more entertaining. The outcome of this

interaction - amidst many "Oohs and Aahs" from the girls when romance took to the fore, and the applause from the boys when Iago revealed his true colours - added hugely to the success of the two-and-half hour production.

Needless to say, it took the teachers another hour to get the Tekkies back on the bus so we could return to Welkom. Apparently, our Tekkies were exchanging opinions with the girls on the plot, characters and different themes of the drama. However, we - the teachers - were not surprised by their so-called analysis of Othello: it had more to do with taking selfies and adding each other to social media! Nevertheless, if that is what it takes to get our Tekkies boys enthusiastic about Shakespeare, then I'm immensely grateful to the girls who inspired them with their beauty and knowledge of an outstanding performance.

(Debbie Balios - Grade 12 English HL teacher)

Tshepo Kheza and ...