On Wednesday October 5th, we welcomed Backyard Theatre Ensemble (BYTE), an Australian theatre company, and drama students from BVIS Hanoi for an amazing day of hands-on learning and watching of the touring production of Hedda, Nora, Julie and me.
This new theatre piece looks at the four heroines from the classical theatrical canon, Nora from Ibsen's 'Doll's House', Julie from Strindberg's 'Miss Julie', Hedda from Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler' and Nina from Chekov's 'Seagull'. Apart from the original plays, the adaptation uses letters between Ibsen and Strindberg, Chekov's diaries, short stories, and other secondary literature to create a vibrant new theatre-piece.
With attentive focus and open minds, students from BIS and BVIS Hanoi were fully engaged in the practical workshops led by the director and the cast of the production. They have set a wonderful example of the school's values and made a strong impression on the guests. When performing simple text, the students learned how to improve their acting skills around authentic decision-making.
Our students' "behavior was impeccable," according to director Joachim Matschoss, who also said he enjoyed working with them.
IB Theatre students also had the chance to ask questions about the company's procedures and receive advice from IB examiner Matschoss about their current coursework project, the Director's Notebook, as part of the day's activities. Given the difficulties in attending live theatre in recent years, it was a pleasure to host professional actors and provide the students with knowledge of the performing arts business. We were prompted by their compelling piece to reflect on our own implicit biases and the place of women in society.
A huge thank you to all staff and students involved!
Catherine Somerville
Head of Whole School Performing Arts
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