Sheffield College degree students perform Armistice Centenary play

SHEFFIELD College performing arts degree students will explore the theme of war to mark the centenary of the Armistice next month.

Fragments of War comprises a collection of drama, songs and poems to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Armistice – the cessation of fighting on land, sea and air in World War 1 on November 11th 1918.

Eighteen students, who are completing either the BA Honours or Foundation Degree in Performing Arts or Musical Theatre, are involved in the production.

Jo Beadle, Performing Arts Lecturer, The Sheffield College, said:

This is a very absorbing and entertaining show which involves tragedy, emotion and humour and has really tested and developed students’ professional skills.”

She added:

At rehearsals we adapted the original script, adding in some new material based on local research and eye-witness accounts of Word War 1. We are pleased to be staging performances at three different venues across the city.”

The play is based on two years of research by Sheffield Popular Arts Company, a not-for-profit organisation. One of the founder members is Gill Walker, who also teaches performing arts at the College.

Student Elle Pindar, 19, is studying the Foundation Degree in Performing Arts. She plans to stay on at College next year to take the BA Honours Degree top up year. In future, Elle’s ambition is to become a drama teacher.

Elle said:

It’s been really interesting to research and learn more about British history for this play to ensure that we get all of the details right, which is especially important given that it’s the centenary of the Armistice this year.”

She added:

I really enjoy the creativity of the performing arts and the fact you feel part of a family. There’s a very friendly student community studying performing arts at the College’s Hillsborough campus.”

Fragments of War will be staged at:

* The Sheffield College’s Hillsborough campus theatre, Livesey Street, on Thursday, November 8 at 7.15pm.

* Kelham Island Museum on Thursday, November 15 at 3pm and 6pm.

* St Mary Church Hall, Walkley, on November Friday 16 at 7.15pm.

Free matinees are also being run at Hillsborough campus on Thursday November 8 at 1.15pm and on Friday November 9 at 9.30am.

Email info@sheffcol.ac.uk for tickets, which cost £5.50 or £3.30 for concessions.

For more information about performing arts courses and the next open days, visit www.sheffcol.ac.uk or call 0114 2602600.