:DRAMA
A Cry for Help
The Year 13 Drama Production provoked the
audience, as intended.
On entry to the Hundred Acre Drama Studio, the audience
were confronted with a murder scene. Mike Foster lies
cold upon the floor. The incessant crying of a baby mingled
with a siren as investigators photographed the evidence.
The play was circular in storyline, as the protagonist, Sarah
Jones, began to narrate her life story to the defence lawyer,
recounting the horrors she had been through that had
resulted in her murderous outburst.
It was brutal.
The play addressed adult themes including rape, abortion
and self-harm – it certainly didn’t shy away from difficult
issues. Sadly, this is the gritty reality of some who have
been failed by our own society.
The Devised Piece of a Drama A-level Exam must be written
and performed by the students. What was so clever about
“A Cry for Help” was that 6 thespians and minimal props – I
saw a clipboard, camera, teddy bear, red ribbon and some
glasses – managed to believably create at least 6 different
locations and more than 15 characters. Astoundingly, they
did this within 30 minutes without ever leaving the
audience behind! The control of their expression, voice and
movement must be applauded.
More intricate still, the role of Sarah Jones was shared by 4
different students, each taking the part for a different stage
of life.
Shakespeare’s poetry becomes increasingly apt as Casey
Fox’s ragged scream of desperation pierces the breathless
silence of the audience. As Social Services take her baby
from her, I found myself agreeing with her violent reaction.
“That baby is all she had! She is justified in striking out!”
The Year 13’s left me troubled, provoked and sweating. I
am complicit in the murder of Mike Foster.
Anonymous.
All the World's a Stage
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wid