Professional theatre company works with GCSE and A Level pupils

A professional theatre company spent last Friday working with GCSE and Sixth Form Theatre Studies pupils.

Splendid Theatre company is an education theatre company who create challenging, vibrant theatre for young people and provide expert training in all areas of drama from Practitioner theory to Presentation skills. They have an excellent reputation for both the inventiveness of their performances and the clarity of their teaching.

The pupils started the theatre skills day with a performance of Euripides' Medea, the epic ancient Greek story of man and woman, betrayal and revenge. The story of Medea, the mysterious sorcerer-princess who helped Jason steal the famous Golden Fleece from her father is a mythical romance with a terrible, terrible ending. In a series of inventive Brechtian episodes, Splendid's powerful cast showed how an ancient story resonates through time and how the simplest of theatrical ideas can have a devastating impact.

The pupils then took part in a four hour workshop specialising in Medea and Greek Theatre, Chorus & Ensemble and Devising Techniques.

"To watch, work with, and learn from Splendid Theatre Company, was  a true honour. We couldn’t have asked for  a more fantastic day. Not only did we learn excellent techniques  which directly related to our A level and GCSE  practical work, but we were able to collaborate closely with one of the best Theatre in Education Companies in the country. We went home energised and bursting with new ideas; what  a brilliant experience."

Rachel Barnes, Year 12