STUDENTS took their inspiration from the country’s oldest working theatre as they devised, scripted and performed their own production.
The spotlight fell on Richmond School and Sixth Form College students as they tackled the performance section of their A Level theatre studies on the boards of the Georgian Theatre Royal.
Fourteen Year 12s were challenged to devise a performance after being given a stimulus from which to develop, script and perform a piece. This year they also had to apply a style from a theatre practitioner.
The first group took as their inspiration the work of physical theatre company Frantic Assembly, with whom they had a chance to work.
Using the text of Polly Stenham’s That Face they explored a dysfunctional family and the way society deals with such characters, with harrowing effect. Set in a sanatorium, where people were treated as numbers, it examined a mixed society, including a nanny who abducted a child and a daughter who was being abused.
Assistant headteacher for community art Ian Henderson said: “Their public performances were received very well as they tackled some very raw topics.”
Another group used a Greek tragedy, placing it in a modern setting, with brothers fighting to the death for the affections of an evil goddess linked to Hades.
Mr Henderson said: “All the performances were challenging and hard-hitting and the students really upped their game. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to use the stage at the Georgian Theatre Royal and I have no doubt that the setting inspires our students.”
Students will now complete a detailed portfolio of how they developed the devising performances which will be marked as part of their studies.