School_Matters_Issue_35

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LVI DRAMA EXAMINATION LVI Drama pupils performed a reinterpretation of Alecky Blythe’s London Road . They reinterpreted a section of the verbatim musical in the style of the expressionistic theatre practitioner, Stephen Berkoff. The result? An innovative, intelligent and highly engaging performance. Well done! We also warmly congratulate Maddie Hunter, LVI who auditioned successfully to join the National Youth Theatre this year. The NYT is a highly prestigious company with an international reputation which brings the best young actors together from across the land to perform under professional direction. Miss Danielle Batt, Teacher of Drama

Maddie Hunter, LVI

DRAMA WORKSHOPS FOR SENIOR 10 Senior 10 GCSE Drama course pupils are required to devise a piece of theatre influenced by a specific practitioner. In preparation, pupils participated in two Drama masterclasses taught by visiting experts. Marc Pouani introduced them to Frantic Assembly’s approach to devising theatre. His expectations were high as he encouraged pupils to work with the ethos of collaboration, empowerment and the desire always to improve what they were working on. He took the pupils through their paces as he challenged their creativity, physicality and fitness. Marc taught techniques though manageable ‘building blocks’ to demonstrate how everyday movements can be used to tell a story in a visually appealing way, as well as communicating meaning to the audience. Nick O’ Brian, artistic director of the Stanislavski Experience and author of Theatre in Practice , introduced pupils to Bertolt Brecht’s style of theatre. Throughout the workshop Nick challenged the pupils’ perception of society, as well as their thoughts on current affairs. The pupils were invited to think of social and political ideas linked to a picture and a speech from Hansel and Gretel . The pupils were guided through a variety of different ‘V-effect’ techniques that encouraged them to show meaning through comedy or creative scenarios, which was both fun and entertaining. A highlight was when the group performed the text in the style of a Gospel choir. By the end of the workshop, the pupils were confident in how to apply voice, movement, gestures and percussion instruments as an ensemble to show a clear message. Both workshops were very enjoyable and informative and proved to be a great starting point for the devising process.

DNA Senior 10 Drama GCSE pupils performed Dennis Kelly’s ‘DNA’ in the Studio Theatre. This chilling play explores the desolate world of a group of teenagers who, when faced with the prospect of prison, decide to cover up the accidental death of their friend, Adam.

The pupils are required to study the text from acting, directing and design perspectives and throughout the rehearsal process they were involved in making the directorial decisions. Working in this way gave them a practical understanding of how to produce and design a play, considering every creative viewpoint. The pupils chose to perform in the round, creating an intimate and intense atmosphere, immersing the audience into the teenagers’ troubled world. Challenged to work in close proximity to the audience, the pupils had to consider lines of sight, ensuring that they did not block the action. This is a particularly tricky skill to master, and the young actors performed it brilliantly. I was impressed with the determination and commitment of every member of the cast: Amelia Duda, Grace Davidson, Taym Al-Kabbani, Noah Marks Degado, Jemima Pugh, Lucas Behling, Alexa Hughes, Evelina Kitsantas, Hayden White, Joseph Cleave and Joshua Titchen. Thanks to Noah Marks Delgado and Lucas Behling for their contribution to the sound design and to Mr Ward and Mr Baskett for their technical and design expertise. The use of a composite set, as well as sound and lighting design, cleverly portrayed the multiple locations and aided the fast transitions and tense atmosphere. Although the performance could only be presented

to a socially distanced live audience of pupils and staff, it was successfully filmed by Emily Begley and Oliver Visram, S9 and made available to watch on Vimeo.

Marc Pouani of Frantic Assembly

Mrs Antonia Arora, Teacher of Drama