The National Drama Festival that opened on Monday with much fanfare continued yesterday without missing a beat, showcasing memorable performances that thrilled the audience of mainly students.

The play yesterday was titled “Save the Children” and is the brainchild of two playwrights, Sonia Telman and Nalini Barker, both teachers at Leonora Secondary School in Region 3.
Ms. Telman who is also the director of the play explained that the play was inspired by events that they observe around them, such as broken families and young children being forced to join the labour market prematurely to help provide financially for their families.
In this particular case, problems between the mother and father led to the father abandoning his wife and children who had to cope on their own with all the bills. However, taking the ‘bull by the horn’ the mother sends her children out on the streets to sell various items. This causes the neighbours, who are understandably concerned for the children’s welfare, to notify the child welfare office, which sends officers to investigate the situation.
While the welfare officers offer to assist the family, the children spot their father with another woman and relay this information to their mother, who refuses to accept that her husband would do something like that. In an effort to try and win him back, she gives him some of the money that she and the children had earned. This causes friction between her and the children and the family is plunged into a new crisis.
The exasperated mother and her children turn to God and pray for a miracle. In what appears to be an answer to their prayer, an angel descends from heaven and restores the family, including bringing the husband back.
MANY THEMES
The play explores several themes including child labour, importance of family, love, faith, perseverance and the power of prayer.
The cast which is made up entirely of students from Leonora Secondary School gave mature performances, suggesting that they have a bright future ahead of them in the performing arts should they choose to make a career of it.
Tomorrow is the third and final day for school performances, and judging by what obtained over the first two days, more talented and creative productions can be expected.

(By Jimmy Roos)