SVS 'Mulan' Programme - June 2017

Sutton Valence School presents

26th, 27th and 28th JUNE 2017

The Legend of Mulan Although best known as the eponymous 1997 Disney movie, the story of Mulan is actually an ancient Chinese poem titled the Ballad of Mulan. As it is a legend, it is not clear when the story is based, although Mulan (or Hua Mulan, as she is referred to in the poem) was believed to have lived during the Northern Wei dynasty which lasted from 386CE to 534CE. In both the movie and the poem, the story is centred around the lack of a male child in the Fa family. This caused problems when the Emperor (or Khan as he is called in the poem) began to call up troops to fight the invading Mongol and nomadic tribes. If there had been a familial son, he could have gone in his father’s place as each family only need to supply one fighting male.

Mulan chose to enlist in her father’s place as he was too old to fight. At the age of eighteen she joined the army and prepared to fight against the invading tribes. According to the legend, she fought for twelve years, during which time she was offered twelve ranks to reward her for her skill in battle. Then, according to both the Disney film and the legend, she chose to return home to live a quiet life with her family, rejecting a title that would have been bestowed upon her for her skill in battle.

Although the first versions of the legend date from the 6th century, a later version of the book expanded on the original poem. The book was written and released during the late Ming Dynasty which lasted from 1368CE to 1644CE. This expanded version became quite popular and the story became a folk legend as well. One of the main reasons for this popularity was that it mentioned gender equity, something which few pieces of Chinese literature included at the time.

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Cast Ancestors Zhang Bethan Pepler Loazi Amber Brinkman Lin Katie Lang Hong Elizabeth Drummond Yun Gabriella Howarth Mushu Isabelle Cook

Family Fa Zhou (Mulan’s Father) Nathaniel Easton Fa Li (Mulan’s Mother) Nicole Avery Grandmother Fa Charlotte Gilman Mulan Paige Davidson Matchmaker Estelle McInerney Emperor Samuel Pope

Chinese Army Captain Shang Finn Swaine Chi Fu Josiah De Bono Yao Tom Gray Ling Jasper Van Diepen Qian-Po Edward Wheble Chen Hugh Harman Liu Oliver Carter Young Xiao Harvey Sladden Younger Yi William Chambers Older Yi Tobias Dickinson Chinese Soldier Andrew Loy Chinese Soldier Patrick Mullen

Hun Army Shan-Yu Joe Savage Magyar Freddie Rigby Subar-Tu Oscar Vas Hun Soldier Tobias Butler Hun Soldier Maximus Woods Hun Soldier Ethan Wynne

Brides Chloe Alexander Jessica De Lucy Charlotte Farrell Imogen Taylor Isabelle Wood

Dressmakers and Hairdressers

Emily Baldwin Alice Busby Holly Clark Anna Harrison Daisy Hills Cameron Lamont-Brown Sophie Lee Gabriella Romano Anna Smith Amie Stuart Katie Swift Molly Veasey Florence Watkinson

Mushettes

Eliza Averill Kieran Bush Tobias Butler Helen Chambers Cameron Davies Thomas Dolan Kristina Duckett Emily Ferris Samuel Foss Arthur Hodson Samuel Howard Edward Humphris Katharine Lazarides Libbie McNamara Lulu Pankhurst Freya Penfold Maximilian Reeves Jodie Russell Hannah Slipper Martha Tatnell Scarlett Washington Grace Wilson Charles Wood Thomas Wood Maximus Woods Ethan Wynne Louisa Yorke

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Mulan Paige Davidson, Fourth Form

I

was honoured to receive the role of Mulan as this is my first production at Sutton Valence. Each rehearsal has been one of a kind, every one giving us a different memory. My confidence has blossomed throughout this process. I have loved working with different year groups and I come away from this experience with many new friendships. This production has reignited my passion for theatre and reassured me this is the path I would like to follow.

My favourite scene in the play is the transformation the soldiers go through in order to look like beautiful women. This is mainly due to Tom Gray’s sashay, Finn Swaine’s pout, Ed Wheble’s skipping and Jasper Van Diepen reaching the sky with his girly singing.

Trying, and failing at first, to reach two octaves lower than my voice was interesting however, with a little help from my male (and some female) friends I can now tick it off my bucket list! At first, singing and dancing at the same time was a rather difficult task, but by the end of this process it has become second nature. Disney has always been a part of my life, even now! So, I hope I do the warrior princess justice. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I have enjoyed this rollercoaster of an experience.

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Fa Zhou Nathaniel Easton, Fourth Form Fa Zhou has been an interesting part for me to play as I am not normally a fan of Disney.

My character is very serious and needs to be the authority that Mulan looks up to. I have enjoyed the rehearsal process and it has been wonderful to work with such an enthusiastic ensemble cast.

Fa Li Nicole Avery, Third Form When we first heard about the casting for Mulan, I was happy to have received a role with a solo part. I really enjoyed the original film and cannot wait to see what our finished production looks like. This play has given me a chance to improve both my acting and singing skills, and, above-all, I have really enjoyed working with everyone.

Grandmother Fa Charlotte Gilman, Third Form I have really enjoyed doing this production. Working with the Fourth Form has been really beneficial because they have given me great tips as to how I can improve my performance skills. I am playing the role of Grandmother Fa who looks very prim and proper, but is actually really sassy and very kind to Mulan. I have enjoyed how different this role is to the others I have played in the past.

Matchmaker Estelle McInerney, Fourth Form I was so excited to recive the role of the Matchmaker. I have enjoyed rehearsals for our ribbon dance as I have a solo.The cast is so close and every rehearsal has been fun.

I would like to thank all the teachers for giving me and my friends a great experience and one I won’t forget.

Emperor

Samuel Pope, Fourth Form In this production, my role is that of the Emperor of China. I have been in numerous School productions, mostly notably when I played Gavroche in Les MisĂŠrables. Drama had always been a passion of mine and I hope my performance goes well. I have had a great time working with the cast of Mulan and I hope you enjoy the show!

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Yun

Loazi

Gabriella Haworth, Fourth Form

Amber Brinkman, Fourth Form

I am delighted to have been chosen to be cast as an ancestor in Mulan. The process of learning these incredibly cheesy lines have been memorable and it was almost impossible not to laugh at the utter madness of the style in which the lines are written. I have especially enjoyed being a part of the production with my friends beside me.

I am so pleased to have been chosen for this role. This play has an excellent storyline and sends a very inspiring message to the audience. It shows that whoever you may be, you are unstoppable!

Zhang

My character has its own personality traits - honour, standing tall and showing no fear. I have had a very good experience with the cast and it has taught me true determination and discipline. I have admired my part in the play and it will be truly unforgettable.

Bethan Pepler, Fourth Form I have had great fun working with my friends in this production and getting into the character of my ancestor.

It is a contrast to my previous role in Les Misérables, where I was a worker, as we can act with superiority and we have a lot of authority! I am excited that we get to stand on the balcony and start the show.

Lin Katie Lang, Fourth Form It has been an exciting experience to be in Mulan, as I do love the movie. I feel this adaptation will be impressive and humorous to watch. However cheesy I think it is, I have loved having a major part in it.

Hong Elizabeth Drummond, Fourth Form When I first heard that we were doing Mulan as the next School production, I was unsure on what it would be like; we couldn’t have Paige (Mulan) cutting her hair off mid production, so I was a bit curious how this would turn out!

Now that we are about to perform the play, I’ve never been more nervous and excited for a production in my life, as we have all poured our time and efforts into this. I love my part, as I feel like my character in the play is a lot like myself in real life, which makes it easier to play. This has been an awesome production and I will definitely not forget being a part of it.

THE ANCESTORS Page 5

Mushu Isabelle Cook, Fourth Form

B

eing a member of the cast in Mulan and watching the production come together has been a fascinating process. I have had great fun embracing my inner dragon in rehearsals and I love that my character is so full of energy. As a dragon, Mushu serves as a kind of guardian spirit and can only been seen by Mulan and the ancestors. On stage, it’s not always easy to remember that!

Rehearsals have been so much fun and I’m really happy to have been a part of the production. We’ve had some serious rehearsal fails along the way, but hopefully by the time you’re reading this, we will be performance ready. I really hope you enjoy the show.

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Chi Fu Josiah De Bono, Fourth Form

I

have enjoyed taking part in Mulan, it has helped me develop my acting skills and confidence on stage. It has been an amazing experience and a lot of fun to take part in. Playing the role of Chi Fu has been amusing and interesting to say the least!

Yao Tom Gray, Fourth Form

H

aving been part of previous School performances, I feel that Mulan has given me a chance to play a very different role. It has given me an opportunity to stretch beyond my comfort zone of naturalistic acting, and to venture into more comedic and stylised acting. It has also given me the rare opportunity of working along side two other characters, working as a trio which has certainly made the overall experience more interesting. Finally, it has been really enjoyable to see the play come together in the final weeks before opening night.

Ling Jasper Van Diepen, Fourth Form

I

am glad that I have been able to be involved with this production as it has been many years since my last production, when I played Fagin in Oliver! I can say that, for the most part, I have enjoyed the process of making this play, especially showing off my more feminine side as opposed to silence and unending sarcasm.

Qian-Po Edward Wheble, Fourth Form

A

s my third musical role at Sutton Valence, I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every rehearsal of the production. It has provided me with the opportunity to do what I love alongside my closest friends and it has been a great pleasure to work in the comedy trio, even when our singing solos have gone horribly wrong. I hope you have a wonderful evening.

Shan-Yu Joe Savage, Second Form

A

fter the success of Les Misérables, I was excited to once again be part of this year’s School production of Mulan. My character is Shan Yu who is the leader of the Hun army. This role was a bit more challenging for me because I have to be a big, strong, intimidating character,which I am not! Although it is difficult, it has been very enjoyable since I can spend quality time with my friends, as well as doing my favourite subject. It is an all-round great experience, as it is a very uplifting musical and I am proud to be in it.

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Captain Shang Finn Swaine, Fourth Form

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hen first hearing that Mulan was going to be the junior drama production this year, I was ecstatic.

The role of Shang has not been an easy task, due to the nature of his character being very taciturn and intricate within his thoughts and feelings.

It has proved to be quite a thought-provoking, yet, nonetheless, enjoyable and engaging challenge to get the balance between these two personas: the man who fears nothing and the man who is trying to court one of his previously known male-turned-female soldiers. As you may be able to see, not your average Romeo and Juliet but, clearly, just as entertaining.

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CHINESE ARMY

Oliver Carter Fourth Form

Tobias Dickinson Third Form

Andrew Loy Second Form

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Patrick Mullen Third Form

William Chambers Third Form

Hugh Harman Fourth Form

Harvey Sladden Third Form

First Form

Oscar Vas Second Form

Freddie Rigby Second Form

HUN army

Tobias Butler

Maximus Wo First Form

ods

Ethan Wynne First Form

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Chloe Alexander Second Form

Charlotte Farrell Second Form

Jessica de Lucy Second Form

Imogen Taylo Second Form

r

The Brides

Isabelle Wood Second Form Page 11

Chloe Alexander, Second Form Jessica De Lucy, Second Form Charlotte Farrell, Second Form Imogen Taylor, Second Form Isabelle Wood, Second Form

DRESSMAKERS AND HAIRDRESSERS Emily Baldwin, Third Form

Sophie Lee, Third Form

Alice Busby, Fourth Form

Gabriella Romano, Fourth Form

Holly Clark, Second Form

Anna Smith, Second Form

Anna Harrison, Fourth Form

Amie Stuart, Fourth Form

Daisy Hills, Third Form

Katie Swift, Third Form

Cameron Lamont-Brown, Third Form

Molly Veasey, Third Form Florence Watkinson, Third Form

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The MUSHETTES Eliza Averill, First Form Kieran Bush, First Form Tobias Butler, First Form Cameron Davies, First Form Thomas Dolan, First Form Kristina Duckett, First Form Emily Ferris, First Form Samuel Foss, First Form Arthur Hodson, First Form Samuel Howard, First Form Edward Humphris, First Form Katharine Lazarides, First Form Libbie McNamara, First Form Lulu Pankhurst, First Form Freya Penfold, First Form Maximilian Reeves, First Form Jodie Russell, First Form Hannah Slipper, First Form Martha Tatnell, First Form Scarlett Washington, First Form Charles Wood, First Form Thomas Wood, First Form Maximus Woods, First Form Ethan Wynne, First Form Louisa Yorke, First Form

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Production Team Mr W Radford

Director

Miss E Davies

Musical Director

Mr J Soman

Choreographer

Mrs A Mathews

Assistant Director

Ms L Williams

Production Technician

Mr J Mitchell

Lighting Support

Benjamin Kyd

Sound Technician

Mr S Allen

Front of House Miss A Akehurst

Mrs R Ball

Mr J Devine

Mrs F Gosden

Mrs H Knott Mrs A Morávek-Hurst

Mrs S O’Connell

Mr K Rose

Mrs S Rose Miss H Walters

Programme Design Mr W Radford

Sound Support Adam Carroll William Ervine Stage Manager Miss S Roestenburg (2016 H) Backstage Crew Tarik Abed Laura Horley Antonio Malluzzo-Fisher Makeup Artists Miss H Rogger-Amies Miss E Sheehan Miss E Taylor

Front of House Manager

Programme Photography Mr D Clarke Mr T Cope

Mr J Lockwood

Programme Printing

Ticketing Mrs W Rogers

Mrs L Henderson

Production Charity Chalkdown Group Riding for the Disabled Association

C

halkdown Group is a relatively small group with up to seven ponies of various sizes and ages. They have a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers who make it possible for them to offer riding sessions to both adults and children with a broad spectrum of physical disabilities and learning difficulties. They are run on an entirely voluntary basis and are self-funding, relying on donations, fundraising events and sponsorship from local companies, organisations and foundations to support their running costs.

The group’s riding sessions have huge therapeutic benefits for the riders, giving a great sense of personal achievement and enjoyment. For some it fulfils a personal ambition to simply sit on a horse and the rhythm of the ponies’ movement improves muscle tone and helps posture and core strengths in the rider. Building trust in the pony and discovering a bond with the pony brings optimism and positivity and the rider also becomes part of a friendly, happy team.

A collection will be taken in the foyer following the production. We appreciate any donations you would like to provide. Additionally, if you feel you would like to get involved as a volunteer or a rider or would like to learn more about how you can help please refer to the charity’s website: www.chalkdownstaplehurst-rda.co.uk

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Stagg Creative

Director’s Notes Miss E Davies, Director

D

isney’s Mulan transports the audience to the fascinating ancient culture of China.The story illustrates the struggle of women in the society while emphasising strength and honour in the family and loyalty to serving one’s country. It has always been a favourite of mine and I have embraced the opportunity to bring the story to life on stage for you. It became very clear throughout the audition process that the amount of talent was exceptional and that I was going to be blessed with a fantastic cast.They have worked extremely hard over the duration of the past two terms and it has been such great fun along the way.

As well as a wonderful cast I have also had the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of teachers and technicians and for that I am truly grateful. The Chinese legend of Mulan has been told for many centuries and in many different ways. The telling of the legend uses both ancient and modern storytelling techniques and musical forms and I very much hope that you enjoy the production as much as we have enjoyed making it.

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An Ode to Mulan Mr J Soman, Musical Director Memorable characters and exciting plots make for an excellent play.

Add in songs, dance and music: you get Mulan, performed today.

This stage version of the Disney classic includes extra songs and score; On Reflection, these additions enhance this tale of love and war.

The First Form have worked tirelessly on their ‘Mushette’ dance routine Whilst older pupils have learned their lines: some kind, some fun, some mean.

Sam’s Emperor has made us chuckle in rehearsals from the start.

The soldiers provide good humour; Paige gives the show its heart.

Mushu is sassy and cheeky; the Ancestors possess real poise.

In song, the cast combine to make (what I hope is) a tuneful noise!

The performers are assured and confident like that Great Chinese Wall; As teachers, we sincerely thank them for bringing Honour To Us All. It’s been a pleasure to work on this production, but to China we go no more.

So we hope you agree that a ticket for Mulan is one Worth Fighting For!

Production Notes Ms L Williams, Assistant Director

R

aising daughters in the twenty-first century means that you cannot escape the Disney magic, and Mulan was a true favourite as my own girls grew up.

Songs that have beauty, grace and that wonderful sing-a-long quality of all Disney numbers permeate the action. Throughout the process of creating Ancient China, I have been amazed at the creativity and enthusiasm of the cast and crew.

It has been a privilege to work with Miss Davies as we have pulled together her vision for Mulan.

The story, of overcoming adversity and defying expectations, is a timeless one and Paige Davidson, delivers the central character with heart and soul. Particular highlights must be the humour delivered by the Chinese Army trio of Tom Gray, Jasper Van Diepen and Edward Wheble. A huge thank you to the whole cast for a truly enjoyable and hilarious rehearsal process. We really do hope that you enjoy being transported to Ancient China in our very special production of Mulan.

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Sutton Valence School presents

Senior Drama Production January 2018

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Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence Maidstone Kent ME17 3HL