"dropped from heaven?" ... The Tempest 2.2

Well I had a little weep on the way back from school this morning.  Ewan was actually concerned, which is a rare change, let me tell you.   They weren't tears of sadness, per se, it was a mixture of extreme pride and deep sadness ... pride because I'd just witnessed my Granddaughter receive awards and outstanding praise in front of her schoolmates, parents, grand-parents and teachers;  and sadness because her mum and dad, as well as so many of her extended family back in South Africa could not see it.  I am so proud of this little girl, she has achieved so much in such a short time and I only have praise for her.  
I was not allowed to take photos or videos this time, the headmistress made the point twice in the proceedings but did say that there is going to be a video produced that people will be able to see.


So ... on to St. Mary's Primary School very minimalist adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' ... it was staged in the hall, which doubles as a gym.  No fancy stage, no sound track, taped music.   Just a semi-circle of different coloured rubber dots (that are used for Gym) to denote the stage.  A bit of army netting hanging over the piano to give the impression of the Cave.   The lead characters had basic costumes, all the supporting actors wore black teeshirts and pants.   The audience were seated on chairs facing the semi-circle, with 'programmes' on every alternate seat. 

Two teachers sitting on either side, facing the children, did a bit of prompting (but really not much), the teachers had tamborines and a small drum that they used for certain effects - shimmering tambourines when the fairies were on the 'stage' for example..   All the children knew their lines really well, some of the boys were very strong in their individual parts.    They rehearsed this for two weeks only - in between doing normal classroom work.  Quite an achievement, I think.   Remember the average age here is 8 - i think that is completely phenomenal.  Most of the people who read this blog (as well as myself) only did Shakespeare in High School!

This is the programme, designed and made by the children. 

 There were two Miranda's and I have to say, that Faye's version was the most delightful.   She was rather  mortified after she got the part, that she had to say that Ferdinand was gorgeous (in front of the whole school too!) but she did it with aplomb today, got lots of giggles and said her lines clearly with just enough emotion.   The actors behind her sing 'It must be love' ... just after she delivers her lines, which she did perfectly and not over-acted at all.  At the end of the play,  (it was about 30 minutes in total)  the teachers presented awards to some of the children who had performed exceptionally well this year in Drama, Writing, Reading ... English awards in General.   I was praying that Faye would get an award for her version of Miranda, and sure enough she did ....

 Then as an added bonus, she also received an award for her writing achievements this year. She was the ONLY child in the hall today that received TWO awards.  I was more than chuffed, I can tell you.










 
Anyway, I asked her this morning, before I dropped her off at school, what extra-mural thing she would most like to do and again, she put Drama and Swimming at the top of her list.  So I think, in light, of what I saw today, she needs a lot more encouragement in the Drama department.

Well done, Faye, you truly were a Star this morning.