STUDENTS from the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy recently performed at the Old Mill Theatre for parents and friends.
‘The Snake Charmer’, acted by the lower primary age group brought the magical splendor of Arabia alive with sultans, princesses and loyal subjects.
The Aladdin story had a brilliant, Helen O’Grady make-over which gave the audience plenty to choose from with a variety of rich suitors, beautiful hand-maidens and picky princesses. The acting was accompanied by the most energetic singing and dancing not to mention snakes appearing from baskets as if by magic.
The Upper Primary play, called ‘The Cleanest Town in Texas’, showcased the students’ talents with character acting and accents in the Wild West.
In a fight to save their “clean little town” and their impeccable reputation, they had to fend off the dastardly deeds of two very underhand characters. The day was saved by the most unexpected intervention of “Jellybone”, a wimpy side-kick turned hero. The auditorium resounded to the cheers of the audience and cast alike when the villains fled from the stage. This year the Youth Theatre performed a challenging, comedic version of Macbeth using some of the advanced theatrical skills taught throughout the year.
The students used mask and physical theatre to further enhance the theatrical techniques. Comedy and one of Shakespeare’s darkest plays do not usually go hand in hand except when Helen O’Grady students get to work on it.
The test was to pack in as much laughter as possible between the gory bits – and the youth theatre actors pulled it off with great aplomb.
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Cape Town is one of the largest drama schools in the world with over 2 500 students. Twenty specialist drama teachers undergo an extensive training in the Helen O’Grady teaching methods to ensure that each student is encouraged in a warm, positive learning environment, where mutual respect is a high priority. The award-winning programme aims to develop enthusiasm, confidence, self-esteem, communication skills and social skills, through a highly developed and stimulating drama curriculum.
This curriculum, which has been developed over 30 years internationally, is ongoing and progressive, and young people in the school can remain in the Academy from 5 to 18 years of age without ever repeating a lesson. This highly developed original drama programme caters for three age-groups: Youth Theatre (13-18 years), Upper Primary (9-12 years) and Lower Primary (5-8 years).
The academy will also run a Musical Stage School during the December holidays.
To find out more and to enroll for January, contact 021-674-7478 or email info@ dramaafrica.com www.dramaafrica.com.
