Year 12 Dramatic Skills on Show

Over the last two nights, drama students in Year 12 have performed a moving production of Bertolt Brecht's 'Fear and Misery of the Third Reich,' a series of 24 inter-connected playlets that describe what life was like in German households in the 1930s leading up to the outbreak of war. Staged on a stark set in the Drama Suite with minimal props and costuming, the strength of the production lay in the students' dramatic ability.

The production was part of the Year 12 drama students' NCEA Level 2 assessment which builds their technique, skills and developing knowledge of staging a play. Their assessment activity required them to prepare for and perform a substantial acting role that had sufficient depth and length to allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the play.

To clarify their understanding of the production and their role within it, the students were required to submit an initial statement of intent for the interpretation of their role and an annotated extract from a part of the script where their role was prevalent. They were then assessed individually on how well they performed their acting role in the play.

Brecht wrote this play while living in exile in Denmark. He was inspired in part by people he met following the war and the stories they told. We are all well aware of the horror of the unfolding events in Germany and beyond during the World War II. Each of the playlets on show this week dramatised the growing suspicion and anxiety experienced by ordinary people, particularly Jewish citizens, as the power of Hitler grew. A growing distrust of their friends and colleagues and even of their own children affected everyone from factory worker to physicist, housewives to judges. The production served to emphasise and expose the roots of Nazi terror, as well as the anti-Nazi efforts.

Well done to all the students involved in an excellent night of drama.

Drama at the College
The College commitment to the Arts programme is particularly evident in the ever growing interest amongst students in the dramatic arts. Drama students have a dedicated space under the performance venue, Elliot Hall, with two drama suites and associated costume and props storage, for the teaching of drama and for performance rehearsal. Elliot Hall has a full stage, professional light and sound equipment and seating for almost a thousand, offering a professional performance venue.

Three major productions are staged each year; one with a focus on dramatic performance for our students and the other two created as a collaboration between the music, drama and dance departments; one for Middle School students and one for Seniors. Students of all ages are encouraged to be involved and a bond quickly forms between members of the cast, crew and staff.

The technology available at the College offers the possibility of an added dimension to our stage productions with the inclusion of projected still and video images, combined with exciting music, sound and lighting techniques. The senior students involved in this aspect of the shows gain a great deal of technical knowledge and play an important part mentoring younger students to eventually take their place.

There is plenty of opportunity for students to be involved with all facets of the College productions. For those who do not enjoy being in the limelight, there are many openings to take a role in lighting, backstage, set construction, makeup, hair design and front of house. Whilst actors are always acknowledged for their talents, those that make up the rest of the drama team are also recognised for the important part they play in making our productions a success.