Reviews
Lower Secondary Production 2018: ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ by Alan Ayckbourn.
Posted by Carla Acepcion
On the 3rd of May, the Lower secondary production was performed three times in one day, to a lively and engaged audience. Our first audience during the official dress rehearsal were year 4 primary students, who cheered and laughed along with Ernie’s imaginings, while the afternoon and evening performances were to students, parents and staff attending, who were almost as enthusiastic as the youngest of year 4!
Audiences smiled at the grandmother being rescued by the helicopter, whooped the knockout count of the boxer defeated by 68-year-old Aunty May, and gripped the edge of their seats as Mr Fraser rescued the librarian with the broken leg from the top of a mountain, and everyone tapped their feet to the glorious music of the infectious marching band that marched out of the doctor’s office.
What wonderful performances the cast and crew put on! Although they made it look easy, there was a total of more than 18 contact hours with students in rehearsal and production meetings, and doubtless many more hours of line learning and setting up required out of these times. Parents have supported us throughout the process, and without their tireless encouragement for the students, we couldn’t have done it.
All students involved were from years 7–9, and several students were performing or holding production roles for the first time, and they took their responsibilities very seriously. As a result, the stage crew helped all to run smoothly, the lights and sound created the perfect atmosphere and the students on stage performed superbly and really owned their work. The play is truly that of the students and we, as a Drama department, are so proud of them all.
We hope to see all students carry these great collaborative skills on into future productions!
Well done, with hearts from your Director,
Mrs V
From the audience:
I would like to say that it was an absolute delight to see the children really enjoying and relishing the freedom theprocess – I don’t think that you can ask for more than that as a parent. Thanks to all for putting in the hours to bring these kids together and looking forward to the next production. A great achievement!
We truly enjoyed the show yesterday!!! Well done for the teachers, crew and kids! I am Luiza’s mom and I must say she had a great time! But what stroke me is that all of them were really truly enjoying the moment and that created an engagement in the audience that was noticeable.
Thank you so much for an excellent show! We watched it twice and I agree with you when you say that the kids thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for igniting and nurturing a passion for Drama in Caleb…he was in his element!
Just wanting to say a big thank-you for the show earlier this month. It really had a lot of punch! I loved the interactive nature and there was action here there everywhere – so thank-you and I know everyone appreciates the work of the DC teachers – working back late on projects such as this.
STUDENTS
What I liked most about the production was seeing everything fall into place, from us performing on stage, to us doing it in the round, I also really liked how everything changed from us just reading the script, to acting them out – Kayden Lau, Ensemble
What I most liked about the production was how everyone (crew and cast) worked so well together and everyone enjoyed acting in this production, all of the practice time really did pay off for the performance. I felt like everyone was so supportive of one and other and everyone was so proud, even our parents, and we all put so much effort into this play. I enjoyed it and I think everyone did. – Isabelle Mexted
The thing I liked most about the production is getting to see what it is like backstage because this is the first time that I have been in a school play and also getting to make new friends because we get to talk to new people from different years.
– Becky Edwards
DP Theatre Class of 2019 on their experience at ISTA TaPS
Posted by Carla Acepcion
On Friday, Dec 1st, our Y12 DP Theatre class attended ISTA TaPS Hong Kong at King George V 
school. Our students, Nicole Woo, Ethan Godinho, Abby Owen, Leticia Ayres and Hanna Swedenklef represented DC at the intensive three-day workshop with their usual unbroken enthusiasm and positivity, taking part in workshops on Wayang (Indonesian puppet theatre), Artaud, ensemble work and much more. The opportunity to meet and collaborate with their DP Theatre peers from across Hong Kong proved beneficial both in the context of the course and beyond, with the students feeling they had made new friends for life. Here’s what our students had to say about their experience in their own words:
“There is so much I want to say about TaPs and how much I loved every second of it, but I’ll keep it short. Spending 3 days in a supportive environment surrounded by people with the same level of interest in theatre really boosted my confidence and skills as a performer. From learning the techniques of Wayang
(Indonesian puppet theatre) to creating shocking pieces inspired by Artaud to working with students outside of DC, I was exposed to specific areas of theatre that will greatly benefit my progress in the IB theatre course. It’s so hard to choose my favourite moment from the past few days but I’ve got to say each session we had was extremely engaging and fun, exceeding my expectations by a mile. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to make friends and I have formed strong bonds that I hope will last forever – there’s a special place in my heart for every single one of the members in my ensemble and our inside jokes. It’s only been a few days but I can’t wait for TaPs 2018! There is no doubt in my mind that TaPs was the highlight of my year, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”– Nicole Woo
“If I learned anything from TaPs, it is to “own your passion and do what you love.” Over the course of 3 days at ISTA TaPs, I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have towards the administrators
and anyone involved in creating these workshops. I am confident to say that I have grown as a theatre student. I have come out of this experience with a plethora of new skills and ideas that I can implement into my future projects. We had the opportunity to learn Wayang (Indonesian puppet theatre), an intense version of the 7 Levels of Tension taught by George Mann, and old and new techniques taught by our ensemble leaders. Throughout the workshops, I have learned so many new skills that will help me improve as a performer. I have never been so grateful and excited to be in a place that was so open and supportive about IB Theatre. It was so freeing to be open about my passion and finally feel like I was accepted fully as a theatre student. I am also so grateful that my ensemble became very close within the first day and continued so have a close bond even outside ISTA. If anyone was unsure about going to ISTA, I would tell them to just go for it! It was such an amazing and memorable experience! Can’t wait for ISTA 2018!”– Abby Owen
“TaPS was a great experience for all of us as we were able to meet people our age from all parts of Hong Kong who had the same interests in theatre as we did. We were able to share our thoughts[on] what theatre meant to us and how we could use it not only for entertainment in today’s society. Our ensemble leaders were very passionate and had a bunch of fun workshops up their sleeves which made the weekend even better.”– Ethan Godinho
“I would say my experience at TaPS was extremely positive. This past
weekend has been highly beneficial to me for the DP theatre course. I feel like I have learned so many valuable skills and lessons that will help me grow as both a performer and in my written tasks. This weekend has not only been a great learning experience but I have also had so much fun. I’ve absolutely loved meeting so many people that share the same passion for drama as I do and getting to collaborate with other DP theatre students across Hong Kong.”– Hanna Swedenklef
For more photos from the conference, check out this gallery!
You can find more information about ISTA & TaPS on their official website.
We would love to hear from you! If you would like to submit a review or other content please email:
Danielle Veilleux, Head of Drama: veilld1@dc.edu.hk
or
Paul McCracken, Drama Teacher: mccram1@dc.edu.hk
or
Carla Acepcion, Performing Arts Technician: acepcc1@dc.edu.hk
Praise for ‘Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe’
Posted by Carla Acepcion
This year’s Secondary Production of ‘Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe’ closed on Nov 29th, 2017. Dealing with darker and more complex themes than in the years before, the play left audience members impressed both by the actors’ abilities onstage, and the effort from the crew that shone through lighting, sound, set and costume to create an atmosphere of tension that Poe’s works demand. We would like to share some of the reviews that we have received from our audience members below:
“Performance extraordinaire: If you didn’t manage to get to last week’s performance of Nightfall, then you missed something truly spectacular. I have to admit I went along wondering whether I would actually “enjoy” the show, however, I was completely mesmerised throughout. The impressive acting, costumes, set, sound effects and stage work combined to produce one of the best secondary productions I have ever seen. Congratulations and thanks to the many, many other people who were involved in some way.” – Mark Beach
“The overall impression was a powerful and cohesive combination of acting, sets, lighting, sound and costumes to create an atmosphere that brought Poe’s poems alive.” – Peter Lasscock
“Fabulous Performance. Congratulations, it was truly wonderful.” – Fiona Altoft
“I just wanted to write to say how impressed I was by the performance last night. The ability of our students to
showcase performance abilities continues to go from strength to strength, and you got the very best out of them, particularly impressive given the complex and macabre nature of the text itself. Ethan in particular stood out to me as someone who has developed hugely from a strong starting point since I first saw him perform a few months ago, and really brought his character into 3-dimensional life through his physicality and understanding of the text. I would make similar observations about a number of students – the quality of their performances reflects the quality of input they have had from the staff around them.
The production design and technical management was also, as ever, superb – the house of cards was one of my favourite moments, and Siosi’s ‘shutting of the window’ was inch perfect in both concept and timing. The costumes were also brilliant – incredible creativity with black and white – and I loved the black onesies! Anyway, I could go on, but suffice it to say that I was inspired and enthused when I left school yesterday evening.” – James Smith
“Thanks so much for inviting us along to see Nightfall. It was amazing!” – Kylie Harrison
“Thank you for an exceptional evening. We were blown away by the talent at D.C.”– Claire Neal
“It was a real treat to see the final product of all the work you and the team put into this year’s production. Thank you to you and Paul for a brilliant tribute to darker mental conditions. It was a unique delivery of psychosis, fear, depression and more.
It felt like I could have been at a theatre performance in Central or even London.
I sent one of pics below to my film director friend and she curiously wanted to know where this great set and cast image came from!!!” – Natasha Clausen
“Do pardon my delay in commending you, the cast and crew for an absolutely mesmerizing night of entertainment, with the very professional portrayal of Edgar Alan Poe’s ‘Nightfall’. Normally not a great fan of anything to do with darkness, I was surprised as to how my eyes were totally glued to the set throughout, not wanting to miss anything. The actors, props, lighting, sound effects & make up were all so surprisingly professional and amazing for a production put up by high school students. Wow! Your professional training and connection with the students was highly evident in their ability to portray Poe’s madness to a crowd of different ages, abilities & understanding, who thoroughly enjoyed it. I am thankful and grateful that Ethan and all the Drama students have teachers to guide and teach them all the skills needed to put up an amazing show, and to enjoy the making of it. A pat on the back to all involved.” – Violette Godinho
We would love to hear your review! If you would like to submit a review please email:
Danielle Veilleux, Head of Drama: veilld1@dc.edu.hk
or
Paul McCracken, Drama Teacher: mccram1@dc.edu.hk
or
Carla Acepcion, Performing Arts Technician: acepcc1@dc.edu.hk
Nightfall: Reviews from Actors
Posted by Carla Acepcion
The secondary school production is an opportunity for all students to explore the world of theatre, on stage and behind the scenes. This year, like all others before it, the students worked tirelessly to create a spectacle of a show for the audience to enjoy. Below are a few words from Nicole Woo and Ethan Godinho from Year 12 who played one of the Policemen and Poe in ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, respectively:
“Having no recollection of anything about Edgar Allen Poe heading into this production, I really didn’t know what to expect. This experience was not only a chance for, I can safely say, everyone, to explore characters that are on the opposite side of the spectrum of roles we usually take on, but to
come together as the secondary sector cohort. Interacting with students with the years below was refreshing, considering our DP Theatre class has 5 students only. The story of Tell-Tale Heart was quite different to the other 3 acts, because it was funnier, and I was able to utilise my experience in comedic roles into this one, as Policeman 1. Working with Sofia, Ethan and Anna especially was a highlight throughout this journey, developing stronger relationships on stage and coming closer through our inside jokes (Ethan’s chicken rant was our favourite, of course). I would strongly encourage everyone to participate in the production, no matter in acting roles or working backstage – immersing in an atmosphere like this is something you’ll never forget for the rest of your life.” – Nicole Woo, Year 12, Policeman #1 in ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’
“Nightfall has been an absolute blast with everyone giving it their all. I did not think that the showwould turn out to be as good as it did because of the fact that most of us weren’t familiar with
Edgar Allen Poe and his work. It took us a bit of time to understand the plays ourselves but once we did, we found it much easier to get into character and add a lot more emotions. The entire process allowed us to mix with people from many different year groups and so we bonded really well. I could not have asked for a better group of amazing directors, actors, backstage crew and costume and makeup crew.” – Ethan Godinho, Year 12, Poe in ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’
We would love to hear from you! If you would like to submit a review or other content please email:
Danielle Veilleux, Head of Drama: veilld1@dc.edu.hk
or
Paul McCracken, Drama Teacher: mccram1@dc.edu.hk
or
Carla Acepcion, Performing Arts Technician: acepcc1@dc.edu.hk
