BACK WITH A BANG: THE FOBISIA DRAMA FESTIVAL RETURNS!

from THE FOBISIAN March 2023, Term 2 Issue 41

PE AND SPORT TEAM TOGETHER FOR THE FOBISIA CONFERENCE AT ALICE SMITH

Mallika Singh

Secondary English and ToK Teacher, Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard, Thailand

Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard, Thailand welcomed 118 students for the first face-to-face FOBISIA Drama Festival after the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival, which took place from 18th to 21st of January, centred around the theme ‘Children for Change,’ exploring the lives of children who have changed the world or are fighting to change it now.

During the festival, students spent three days taking part in theatre workshops, exploring various aspects of drama such as ‘Stage Combat,’ ‘Bunraku Puppetry’ and ‘Musical Theatre.’

They also worked in companies to create devised performances centred around one ‘Child for Change’: Anne Frank, Greta Thunberg, Iqbal Masih, Malala Yousafzai, Ruby Bridges and William Kamkwamba. The spectacular performances at the end of the festival reflected on the students’ creativity and dramatic potential. Further, it was clear to see that the students were inspired by the ‘Children for Change’ who stand as examples of courage and integrity, as the performances sensitively tackled global issues and presented hopeful messages for the future.

The festival featured workshops run by UK-based practitioner Chiara D’Anna who also performed a bespoke rendition of her award-winning play ‘Don’t You Dare!’ for festival participants followed by a Q&A session. This performance was a definite highlight of the festival: students lauded it as “amazing” and “really funny.” Likewise, D’Anna expressed how impressed she was with the students’ engagement and enthusiasm with the play. She was also touched, and slightly amused, by the number of participants who asked for her autograph afterwards.

While drama and learning were certainly at the heart of the festival, students also enjoyed social occasions such as the Thai Fair and Beach Party. During the Thai Fair, participants got to sample Thai street food favourites such as Pad Thai, Som Tam and Coconut Ice Cream. Some stalls were so popular that they even sold out of all their food! The Thai Department at GIS also organised traditional Thai games for the students to try out.

Similarly, the Beach Party gave students a chance to relax and take part in party games such as limbo and a very special rendition of musical chairs. There were live performances from student bands, and visiting students also took to the stage to share their musical talents.

Overall, the FOBISIA Drama Festival 2023 was not only a successful event, but also a reminder of the role that theatre plays in bringing people together and providing a safe space for young people. After over two years of lockdowns and online learning, it was inspiring to see the resilience and positivity of the participating students.