Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2017

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Frog dissection in Biology class (in stylised unison choreography as the frog sang Edith Piaf)

Hadley Berger’s (Cara Avenia, 12W) friendship with Astrid starts on a train ride home

A student’s (Zoe Skoien, 12L) History oral presentation explores the scepticism around Joan of Arc’s death

with vigour, stamina and curiosity. The proof was in their masterful performances. Spontaneous Human Combustion is a powerful and moving story. As Astrid battles with her anger at losing her sister, she heeds Joan’s call to battle. Audiences laughed and cried … and gasped when the stage set ablaze in the climactic moment of defiance. Journeying with the characters as they revealed their foibles and faced their fears reminded us that we are all only human. That we share a common experience of finding our way through life. And that we need to remain connected. This play leaves us with a message of hope: that if we are driven by spirit and justice and courage … we may find our purpose; a cause truly worth fighting for. And just as Astrid left her mark on her school in the world of play, indeed this play has left its mark on our School. ‘You will remember the name’ — Spontaneous Human Combustion

preparation, innovative directorial vision and creative agility was an excellent example of best practice in direction. For students to see an industry professional employ creative problem-solving skills and stagecraft first hand has enriched their understanding of theatre-making. The young actors should feel immensely proud, too, as we are of them. The intense physicality of the play was incredibly demanding. Dance choreography, fight scenes, frenetic and risky action sequences that all took place on/between/under rows of narrow desks were only some of the challenges that confronted the actors. Daniel drilled these sequences in rehearsal with military precision, resulting in an impressively tight and dangerously exciting performance. Within the ensemble, each actor needed to individualise her character, direct focus of on- stage action, respond with emotional nuance and subtlety, be incredibly kinesthetically aware and shift mood and tension with adept sensitivity. The actors rose to this challenge with aplomb, as they approached each rehearsal

WINTER ISSUE / 2017