Grimm Tales – a captivating exemplification of why drama MUST be in the curriculum
Drama is a relatively new curriculum addition to Elmhurst but last night’s incredible production of Grimm Tales was an excellent reminder of just how much it brings to the children’s learning.
The cast members had chosen to be part of the production, many of them turning down a very popular sports club to commit instead to the 12 week rehearsal schedule – testament to the enjoyment the production process brings. As an enrichment performance ‘Grimm Tales’ was in Mr Brook’s words “an experimental performance, pushing the cast to be creative and expressive, drawing on GCSE drama techniques to deliver a unique production.” And it really delivered.
On the evening itself, the storytelling weaved several traditional tales throughout the hour-long show and the more experienced Y6 actors held the threads of the stories together; two of them bringing their eponymous characters to life as quirky observers. Sensitive responses to well developed and expressed characters were witnessed throughout, as the young cast performed with maturity.
The learning throughout the process and into the production was significant. But beyond the sophisticated, expressive performance what struck this audience member was the joy on the faces of the performers. The ‘team’ owned every moment of their show – undoubtedly the reason it was truly brilliant and why Drama is here to stay. Bravo, Mr Brook and team!
