Pupil Tell Moving Story
Drama enthusiasts at Healing School tossed their scripts aside to tell a Caribbean folk story through movement and music. Pupils rehearsed the play The King Who Wanted To Touch The Moon for the first time with representatives from South Asian Arts UK, based in Leeds.
The council-led initiative to get pupils involved in drama and stretch their imagination will result in a final performance at Lindsey School and Community Arts College on October 22.
Leigh Hirst, English and Performing Arts teacher at Healing School, said the session was great for the pupils' self-esteem.
He said: "It's about combining English and Drama and telling stories in different ways". Numerous other schools throughout the area will take part in the showcase in October and have had visits from poets and various performers.
"The pupils have been able to get active and use their imagination." Andrew McWhirter, of South Asian Arts UK, said the pupils were "incredibly well-behaved" during their first rehearsal. He said: "We will be visiting other schools in the area and the activity looks at a moral message within the folk story, which the pupils can learn from."
"It helps boost their confidence and gives them a chance to express themselves in different ways."
Dance teacher Devika Rao taught the pupils new moves. Twelve-year-old Isak Arnarson, of Healig, said the project had been "presented in a really fun way".
He said: "I enjoy acting and it's great to learn about different cultures. We are all looking forward to the main performance in October."
Evie Coates, 12, of Healing, said: "I have been attending Mayfair School of Dancing for six years, so I love doing it in school as well.
"I've enjoyed learning a different style as I am used to disco dancing. Telling a story in this way is good because you are not reading from a script - you can use movement and music and you understand the story more."
24th September 2009 | Grimsby Telegraph