College. The same is true for students involved in theatre productions. The experience of coming together as cast, crew and musicians, sometimes with little else in common, can forge a unique bond and community among those involved.
Four students involved in Macbeth and Jesus Christ Superstar wrote about their personal experience along this theme. Brothers Hector and Hugues were both part of the Macbeth cast. For Hector, it was his first production, whereas
Hugues was performing in his final school show after seven years of involvement in drama productions. Elisa and Aryana were co-assistant directors for Jesus Christ Superstar and reflect on the community formed through this show as well as during
their involvement in theatre over the past six years.
By Aryana Thapliyal, Grade 12 and Assistant Director of Jesus Christ Superstar, East Campus An integral part of what makes theatre at UWCSEA so special is the community that is built: slowly, but steadily. For five hours each week, future doctors, architects, lawyers, entrepreneurs and musicians occupy one space, collectively living and breathing theatre … When you’re faced with the challenging task of bringing a script to life, you tend to forget the essays and tests that are due the next day … For those five hours, all you see are students working as one force to produce a piece that transports the audience to a new world …
By Elisa Benham, Grade 12 and Assistant Director of Jesus Christ Superstar, East Campus For the past six years, the start of every year had me looking forward to the same activity. No other experience could compete with the anticipation of hearing the words ‘audition’, ‘production’, ‘cast’ and the excitement that I knew was coming in the months ahead. During my time at UWCSEA, these words meant more than just another opportunity… they were an invitation to join a group with whom you would share sweat and tears, laughter and joy … This was the community that being involved in drama offered …
This year, I was given the wonderful opportunity of being co-assistant director for the musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar … The role presented its unique challenges … and for the first time, I understood what the phrase ‘behind the scenes’ actually meant … What made Jesus Christ Superstar carve a place in my heart were the relationships forged, the casual conversations with our lighting designer and sound crew, and the quiet back stage dancing during performances … Being part of a production is truly a enriching experience. It engages the mind and spirit, whilst requiring solid stamina. Theatre invariably leads you down the path of openmindedness and acceptance of varied approaches. It equips you to be respectful of others’ opinions and sensitive to other cultures. It teaches you to be human. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
From comedies and dramas to a rock opera, there is always an opportunity for everyone to take part … I was afraid that I would miss out in the theatre scene by not being able to take IB Theatre, but I laugh at myself now for having that thought. Drama never leaves anyone out … Although assistant director was a completely new role to me, the whole drama experience—devising, developing, laughing and crying—remained there, mainly because a production cast never changes. A cast is a family and no matter who you are or what your role is, you are still an invaluable member of that family—the drama family. April 2017 Dunia | 21