School Reports
Widden Pupils in Theatrical Productions
The month of July saw the culmination of weeks of hard work on theatrical performances for pupils at Widden Primary. Although the school leads the way in placing the teaching of drama on the timetable, the extension of some of the work into the performing arts produced some unforgettable experiences for the pupils that enhanced not only their individual development, but also the life of the school.
Along with two other schools, Linden and Tredworth, Y5 pupils took part in the "Telling Tales" project in collaboration with the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Over the course of some months, professional practitioners came into school to work with the pupils on storytelling, acting, singing, design and production. This culminated in a lavish production on the main stage of the theatre and the publication of "Telling Tales" by the world-famous children's author Jamila Gavin.
The main aim of the project was to create a multicultural event, which drew in performers, parents, friends, schools, communities, professional practitioners and which told tales from various cultures. It is hoped that having been both involved with the theatre and having visited for a performance, families will return for further visits and maintain their contact with the theatre.
The tale created and performed by Widden pupils originated in East Africa and told the story of how the sun came to rule over the day and the moon rule over the night. Involving parents, friends and practitioners the costuming was visually stunning and when placed in the theatrical set the effect for all those watching was breathtaking.
For pupils to take part in a show making use of the facilities of a major theatre was the once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will always remember!
In the week following "Telling Tales" Widden pupils staged a production of "The Wizard of Oz" with all age groups taking part. Several performances allowed all pupils, parents and friends the opportunity to see the show.
Based on the story by L Frank Baum, the show was improvised over a number of weeks with the actors, school choir and staff band. As the show was produced in the round, the wonderful costumes made by staff and parents became a centre of attention.
Only the English language was used in the production and nearly every role was performed by a pupil with English as an Additional Language. Two of the lead parts were played by pupils who were quite new to the language. The use of drama techniques for supporting and developing language skills was clearly demonstrated.
Both "Telling Tales" and "The Wizard of Oz" showed the power of drama and the performing arts in bringing people together and in enhancing lives.
Garth Prince
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