Page 14
Drama
In September, the History and Drama departments took advantage of KEVICC’s
partnership with the Theatre Royal this year and organised for thirty-six year 10
and year 13 students to watch their latest production,
The Whipping Man
.
Set against the back-drop of the end of the American Civil War in Richmond, the
play explores the lives of three men at a particular moment in time where huge
social change is beginning. As the narrative unfolds, the audience are immediately
made to confront a gruesome life-saving choice by one of the characters and then
they are led tentatively through the complexities of the mens’ relationships, both
old and new.
Before the production began, we were ushered into the Drum theatre where the set
lay ready for the evening’s performance. The assistant director for the production
greeted us and then took the students through the processes of creating such a
production. The students learnt about the detail that goes into creating a piece
of Historical Theatre. She explained how necessary it was for the production team
and the performers to be well versed in the Historical Period, looking at old photos
and written accounts of the time, as well as knowing the events of the American
Civil War. She also explained how the
actors had worked with accent coaches
to ensure there was consistency
between the slave characters, and a
noticeable difference between them
and the soldier. She told the students
how medical experts were called upon
to advise the actors about physical
limitations and symptoms displayed
by people who have suffered gangrene,
and then how this information was
translated into performance.
The whole session was fascinating and
reinforced the level of rigour, research
and preparation that is essential to
successful theatre-making. Whilst the
workshop was detailed and interesting,
the students still had plenty of their
own questions and put these forward
when invited by the director. They
were keen to know more about set and
lighting, and also how she came to be
in the role herself.
The acting was absolutely astonishing
and captivated us all at every given
moment. You could feel the tension at
all times, which was a huge credit to
the cast as the material was incredibly
challenging and took each character
on a difficult emotional journey
throughout the play.
Our students demonstrated real
intellect and appreciation for the
performance and once again were a
credit to the school!!!
Jo Crook Head of Performing Arts
The Whipping Man – Drama and History Trip
I went to TRP to watch The
Whipping Man. I feel that this
was a good experience because I
learned about how things work
backstage and also
learned
about the opportunities the Arts
provide young people like me.
Ethan Merrington-Pink year 12
Recently, the department ran
a trip to the Theatre Royal in
Plymouth to see The Whipping
Man. The trip was a great success
and we had an enlightening
experience.
This is not the only trip of this
kind - all our trips are excellent.
I recently went on a trip to
see The Whipping Man and
it was a valuable experience
as we got to interview the
assistant director to get an
insight into the making of a
play. It was also a top-notch
performance.
Les Misérables Auditions
This is a MASSIVE THANK YOU to
EVERYONE who was brave enough to
audition to take part in Les Misérables,
this year's school show.
Jo Crook and I have been absolutely
bowled over by the talent, enthusiasm
and sheer energy that you all brought
to your audition performances.
It is for this reason that we have been
entirely unable to turn anyone away.
You are all amazing.
Now that the sheet music has arrived
and the rehearsals have begun....
this is where the hard work really
begins....!! (Keep it up!!)
Anna Chadwick Musical Director
Page 15
Dance
This new project is a choreographic platform for schools
around the country to connect and compete with each
other with the guidance and nurturing and expertise of
the Rambert Educational programme. Rambert is Britain's
oldest dance company, who are constantly refreshed by the
creation of new dance works. We decided to get involved
at the end of the summer as soon as it was advertised. I
sent the dvd of our 2014 Sprung Dance Show to show the
students' work and, out of 72 applicants, our school was
chosen to take part! ,
This is a new branch of Rambert’s outreach to education
and they are very keen to build on this for future years.
We had to choose from three choreographers who then
give a ‘tool-kit’ of phrases and music and starting points in
order to feed the teacher in charge with ideas to begin the
choreography. I am very happy with the choice I made of
Saskia Larcombe, then in year 11,
auditioned for the Youth Dance
Academy Contemporary CAT (Centre
for Advanced Training) Programme
in Exeter, and was offered a fully
funded place in advanced dance
training (with only ten places
awarded in the South West). She will
train at the Alexander Building in
Exeter every other Sunday and will
have intensive courses in the half
term breaks. Her training includes
ballet, jazz & contemporary dance.
dance-scheme
Aletta Collins - a renowned choreographer who works
in many different fields. She has choreographed for
plays, operas, tv, cabaret and, of course, many dance
companies; Rambert included. The teachers offering
the project had a fantastic weekend away, dancing
from 9.30am–5pm each day and learning about the
artists and their approach to dance. It was the biggest
treat I have had in all my teaching years at KEVICC
and I feel renewed with excitement and confidence to
get on with the dance, and with all my other classes.
This is professional development in a specialised
format that essentially goes right to the heart of why
I love my subject, and why I want to foster it in our students.
The piece will be finished in March for the regional platform
in Plymouth, and will also be shown at Sprung. The students
involved are ten formidable A level females and they will be
dancing with JR, the urban French artist; Kate Tempest the
rap poet and the composer Tansy Davies as their inspiration.
I feel extremely grateful to Rambert, and I know the students
feel honoured to be supported in such a prestigious event.
Please come and see the finished product at our Sprung
Dance Performances on 27/28 April at KEVICC, or at the
regional platforms at TR2 in Plymouth on 17 March 2016. We
will be working every Friday evening to fulfil expectations!
Susie Reeves-Sharp Teacher of Dance
In order to have a look at the starting points, here are some links:
World Cup Dance
Emily Hawkins, Jaimie Thomas, Jade
Hannaford, NicoleMoreing and Ukiah Smith
(then in years 9-11 at KEVICC) performed
with Totnes School of Dance at the World
Cup Dance in Romania earlier this year.
They achieved a bronze place for one of
their group pieces
Spring Quartet,
which
was a wonderful achievement.
Recent Dance Successes
Saskia Larcombe
In September, the dance department took thirty students on
a trip to Plymouth Theatre Royal to watch Britain’s National
Dance Company
Rambert
. The spectacular dancing from the
company got our students gripped, along with the superb
orchestra. Many of the pieces were open to interpretation,
which allowed the students to question each other – and
us as teachers. We are forever encouraging an intellectual
mind, and hope that with this triple bill of repertoire there
was something for everyone to enjoy.
The students who came on the trip were a pleasure to spend
time with and were a credit to KEVICC. I look forward to
taking you to see more live professional dance.
Sarah McInally Team Leader of Dance
Rambert Theatre Trip
Rambert workshop
The workshop with Rambert
was an insightful and interesting
experience which widened my
perspectives on the rehearsal
and choreographed processes
behind a professional company.
Rosie Issitt Y13
The Dance teachers gave us the opportunity to go and see
a renowned company - Rambert.
Without the school, I wouldn't have known they were
performing, and to see them really enhanced my
knowledge and love for dance.
Olivia Walkers 11NCY
Rambert Elements Project
