Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa - Durban at The Courtyard Theatre, Durban University of Technology

The Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA) returns for its 16th season, bringing youth-driven Shakespeare productions to The Courtyard Theatre at Durban University of Technology from 21 to 27 September. Learners, many performing on a professional stage for the first time, transform full-length Shakespeare plays into sharp, 30 to 45-minute productions that keep the Bard's stories accessible and relevant for contemporary audiences. The festival celebrates inclusivity and diversity, with participating schools each bringing their own interpretation, style and voice to classic tragedies and comedies. Beyond performance, the festival supports learners through masterclasses and workshops led by theatre professionals, building skills in confidence, teamwork and creative thinking.