Bishops High School in Chester stage production of Arabian Nights

Jul 29 2010 Chester Chronicle

PUPILS of The Bishops’ High School in Chester took part in a performance of Arabian Nights.

The process started in April when all pupils from years 7-10 were invited to work on a drama and music presentation to be performed in the summer.

No auditions were held, instead pupils were requested to display a commitment to the weekly rehearsal process.

Staff from the drama and music departments at Bishops’ wanted this inclusive performance to explore the notion of storytelling, with any of the performers taking any part of the story at any time.

They also wanted to focus on the idea of ensemble performing, challenging pupils to hold a focus throughout the presentation with every performer remaining on stage for the whole of the performance.

The final performance was a culmination of the skills developed throughout the rehearsal process, which included teamwork, exploration of directorial crafts and a sharing of creativity.

The process also involved a matinee dress rehearsal to pupils from Cherry Grove and Huntington Primary Schools. One of the performers, Michael Bolam, a Year 8 pupil, said: “Being in the show was an amazing experience.”