Atem returns next month
Organisers of Association for the Teaching of English in Malawi (Atem) drama festival have announced that the contest will start next month with divisional contests.
Atem has since communicated to all the schools and divisions about the contest expected to start on January 25 2020.
The competition which has played a crucial role over the years in unearthing theatre talent, has been out of the limelight for some time.
Some of the products of Atem include theatre maestro the late Du Chisiza Jr, who went on to create Wakhumbata Enbsemble Theatre (Wet) and staged several masterpiece productions.
Atem was supposed to start the competition last month but the organisers said they postponed it as they were in discussions with a prospective sponsor.
According to the letter which The Daily Times has seen, the Atem Division Drama Festival starts on January 25 in all the divisions across the country.
Organisers have since said that this year’s theme is ‘Youth Activism: The role of youths in driving change in the society’.
The letter also says that Atem which is among others, aimed at advocating the teaching of English in the country, is ready for the competition.
Organisers have also indicated that every school is expected to pay a participation fee of K20,000.
“We aim at developing English teaching skills to language teachers in Malawi hence no need of having external directors as this conduct is in conflict with our mission, vision and objectives,” reads the letter.
Organisers have also said that they will award students in various categories namely best actor and actress, best supporting actor and actress and best English speaker.
