Bringing classroom talent to the stage

Christofine Nelumbu
  • 1 Day Ago

From live music to drama, the University of Namibia (UNAM) Performing Arts Showcase Week put student talent in the spotlight on 9 and 10 October at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN).

The showcase opened with performances by the UNAM Band, followed by the UNAM Choir and a play presented by drama students. Held at NTN Backstage, the event brought together students, theatre practitioners and members of the creative community.

Speaking at the opening, UNAM’s Dr Wilhelm Uutoni said the annual showcase, launched in 2019, serves as “a critical bridge connecting academic training directly with the theatre community and professional creative industry.”

He emphasised the programme’s practical approach to learning, noting that students do more than study performance.

“They choreograph, they direct, they compose and execute full-length production,” he said.

The showcase gives third- and fourth-year students an opportunity to test their skills on stage and gain industry visibility before graduating.

With music and drama taking centre stage, the event offered a glimpse of the talent emerging from UNAM’s Performing Arts programme and the next generation of Namibia’s creative industry.