Lilongwe Girls Secondary School has made history at the 17th edition of the National Schools Arts Festival (Nasfest) International Youth Cultural Festival, clinching the top award for their play “The Child of the Forbidden Forest.”
Their victory is not only a win for their school but also celebration of young Malawian talent, the preservation of cultural heritage and the bright future of the performing arts in the country.
Held at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe from February 7-9, 2025, the festival brought together young performers from across Malawi to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities.
Lilongwe Girls Secondary, with their script and compelling performance, stole the spotlight, earning K500,000 and a trophy.
“The Child of the Forbidden Forest” is a product of passion, teamwork and dedication. Unlike conventional school performances where scripts are often externally sourced, Lilongwe Girls’ students took ownership of their story, working closely with their patron, Desire Namachotsa and their teachers.
“We wanted to tell a story that reflects our culture while addressing contemporary challenges. The play was our way of showing that young people can be storytellers, preserving our traditions while imagining new possibilities,” said Namachotsa.
She also emphasised the hard work that went into preparing for the festival.
“These girls dedicated their time and energy to perfecting their craft. They proved that art is not just entertainment, it is a voice for the youth, a medium for education and a bridge connecting generations,” said Namachotsa.
The festival’s inclusivity was also evident, with schools from different regions participating. Notably, Double Vision Secondary School was the only representative from Southern Malawi, demonstrating the festival’s national reach.
Likuni Boys Secondary School secured second place, receiving K300,000 while New Generation Secondary School took third place and was awarded K200,000.
Lilongwe Girls Secondary’s victory sets a new standard for youth theatre in Malawi.
Their success challenges other schools to invest in creative expression, encouraging students to explore storytelling in unique and innovative ways.
Beyond drama, Nasfest featured poetry and traditional dances, reinforcing the richness of Malawian culture.
With events such as these, young artists are finding their voices and building a foundation for a vibrant creative industry.
