S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 / H ighlights
Primary Production Entertains Collaboration with design classes brings Oliver Twist to the stage On 16-17 March, the Year 5 and 6 students staged the production of Oliver Twist. The audience was treated to all the fascinating characters from this exciting story: the Artful Dodger, Fagin, the menacing Bill Sikes and the kind-hearted Nancy. Young Oliver became involved in a plot containing mystery, robbery and revenge until Oliver’s true identity was discovered and he found a home and happiness with his benefactor, Mr. Brownlow. This faithful dramatisation of the Charles Dickens classic by Joellen Bland was performed by Year 5 and 6 students and supported by a range of secondary school students, in particular the Year 9 Design classes. This year saw the formalisation of vertical collaboration with Year 9 in addition to the Production Unit in Year 5, which was directly linked and articulated to teaching and learning. The choice of Oliver Twist satisfied both educational and artistic goals. The script demanded discipline and risk-taking from the actors while providing scope for fun and celebration. Part of the rehearsal process involved script-writing workshops, dance workshops, music and costume design, which emerged as ideas sometimes incorporated into the script. The enthusiasm, energy and practical assistance of the Discovery College staff, parents and students made the theatre production process a rewarding
SHI JIE MAGAZINE / SPRING 2016
experience and once again the persistence, drive, dedication and talent by all, made this show possible. As the director, I am always excited and at the same time humbled by how much I learn from the students who fearlessly work through this rigorous process. Frank Donnoli Primary Drama Teacher
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