Curro learners shine in Vrouestemme: Voices of Power at Suidoosterfees
05 May 2025More than 300 Curro learners took to the stage of the Artscape Opera House in Vrouestemme: Voices of Power – a bold, large-scale concert celebrating the power and impact of female voices. The production, presented at Suidoosterfees 2025, blended music, movement, light, and language into one cohesive performance that left audiences visibly moved.
A concert years in the making
When Suidoosterfees approached Wordsmith’s Theatre Factory with the idea for a flagship concert, Pedro Kruger and Hennie van Greunen, co-heads of Curro Create, immediately accepted the challenge.
‘We’ve always wanted to do a big show,’ said Pedro. ‘We had the ideas and puzzle pieces – this gave us the stage to bring it all together.’
With original material written entirely by women and a focus on female performers, Voices of Power showcased both emerging and established talent. Renowned artists such as Corlea Botha, Edith Plaatjies, and Tasché headlined the event. They were joined by Curro alumni Phoebe Mgxaji and Mia Dippenaar – both former learners now studying music professionally at Wits and LAMTA respectively.
‘To see Phoebe and Mia perform as young professionals is incredible,’ Pedro added. ‘They began in Curro Create shows like From Broadway to Bird Street, and now they’re part of something on this scale.’
Learners take centre stage
A mass choir of 320 learners from Curro Century City, Pinehurst, Somerset West, and Durbanville campuses joined the professionals on stage. The choir, conducted by Lina Hattingh from Curro Durbanville, performed pieces in both English and Afrikaans.
‘They did amazing work,’ said Pedro. ‘Lina was just phenomenal. She brought it all together.’
The concert featured music by well-known composers such as Christa Steyn and Tracy Chapman, with original text and presentation by Veronique Jephtas. It included quiet solos, anthemic choral pieces, spoken-word segments, and choreographed movement, all connected by a single narrative.
‘It was a full canvas,’ Pedro explained. ‘Every element served the same message: You’ve got a voice. Use it. Speak it. We’re listening.’
Audience response
Audience reactions poured in during and after the performance—both in person and online. Many described it as the highlight of the festival.
‘Someone told me they’d never seen a show like this at the Opera House,’ said Pedro. ‘That’s when you know it meant something.’
Vrouestemme: Voices of Power was a statement; and for the hundreds of Curro learners who helped shape it, it was a chance to step into something powerful and unforgettable.
To learn more about Curro Create, visit the Curro Create page.