Balancing Act
Physical Theatre Day saw Year 10 Drama students transform themselves into ingenious human props as they lay the foundations for group performances that will be judged in their final exams.
Coming to the end of their work on play building, Year 10 Drama has been exploring two fascinating dramatic approaches – Verbatim Theatre and Physical Theatre. In Term 3, the students explored the world of Verbatim Theatre, a form of documentary storytelling that brings the spoken words of real people to life on stage. They interviewed thinkers from across the globe, discussing complex current topics such as global terrorism, gun control, freedom of speech, and climate change. They then transformed the exact words in each recorded interview into a compelling script that echoes the voices and perspectives of real people.
The next stage was Physical Theatre Day, held on Thursday 12 October, designed to arm the students with the skills to add dynamic physical performances to their scripts. It opened with a physical theatre workshop led by Head of Drama, Ms Tiffany Crittle. Thanks to a 91黑料不打烊-funded Teaching Fellowship in 2019, Ms Crittle has trained with esteemed physical theatre companies in New York and Paris, including PUSH Physical Theatre Company and Zen Zen Zo. "Learning from someone as experienced as Ms Crittle was a privilege for the entire class and it benefitted us all enormously," said Tara.
Ms Crittle introduced the students to the language and framework of physical theatre, focusing on the movement-based pedagogical and artistic approach viewpoints, as practised by American Columbia University professor and director Anne Bogart. This method not only equips students with physical techniques but also instils a philosophical, spiritual, and aesthetic approach to theatre.
This was followed by a workshop with Swoop Physical Theatre Company. Starting with hula hooping, the imaginative session taught the students the art of balance and acrobatics, including lifts and counterbalances, to enhance their performances. It culminated in the students using their bodies to create pirate ships loaded with marauding pirates and accompanied by a cacophony of seafaring noises.
"It was certainly a bonding experience for our class," said Scarlett. "We were all shocked at what our bodies were capable of doing and how well this could be used to tell a story. It was a fantastic experience that we all thoroughly enjoyed, and we are very grateful to all the staff members who took part in organising and running the incursion!"