Symposium Report - Day 5
Tradition, innovation and change have been the themes of this year’s Come Together Symposium. And we had all three today, the final day of Symposium. An added Community Day comes tomorrow.
As was the case all week, the day began slowly with everyone in workshops, including representative from other institutions around the UK who were gathered to discuss the Changing Curriculum as it relates to drama and skills. A coming together of the teaching tribe. But today was also about bringing the work of the week together into finished performances: all the mechanical theatres boxes and displays were wheeled out into the central Courtyard for a final check and then a captivating walkabout of the machines. Two extraordinary scenographic and lighting exhibits mesmerised: Project S, with its crissing and crossing lighting extravaganza in a small studio space, and Invisible Ink, by Caroline Evans and Hansjorg Schmidt, that used mirrors and perspective to create a miniature, reflective dream theatre of great delicacy. Lighting and sound and new approaches to technology featured throughout the week.
The silent movie music workshop, conducted by the inimitable Arum Ghost (whose Quintet played earlier in the week), set itself the task of providing a score to a 1920s German silent animated ‘shadow puppet’ film. Rock, jazz, cabaret and Balinese rhythms all mixed together with just a hint of Kurt Weil. This new underground art form now moved above ground and we could all see the wonders of music and image marrying in the dark. Also coming together was the work of OBRA and the collaborative work of Ynopsis Theatre and Les Videographes’ Company (together with Rose Bruford students). These kinds of young, vibrant theatre makers are carving out new performance territory. Deambulation collided accident, mystery and confrontation into a memorable public spectacle.
The big talk today was provided by Stage Manager extraordinaire Sue Banner, who, in conversation with Mark Simpson, discussed how she has moved into large scale events management like industrial shows, SMing Simon Cowell’s birthday party and running the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations up and down the avenue and in the skies above Pall Mall. A thrilling example of a high flying career that all our SMs should strive for. Other career talks took place elsewhere on campus.
The entire College gathered together in the afternoon to watch Third Year Actors and Actor Musicians preview the Showcase they will do before the Industry next week at the Soho Theatre. Funny, eclectic, musical and sexy, this Showcase, like others in past year, sets a new standard for Drama Schools. We wish all these students well next week. Break lots of legs!
As evening fell Simon Stephen’s Heron received a repeat performance, there were Whispers from a Wandering Tent, a Symposium quiz, more Salsa and African dance until The Whole Shebang event brought the evening and Symposium to a finale with music, even more dance and the unabashed revelry.
Nesta Jones presided over the Closing Ceremony and we wait again until next year. But first...we have tomorrow’s Community Day organised by Kieron Vanstone.
Many thanks to all the crew and students who worked so hard to make Symposium a great success, despite volcanic eruptions in Iceland, home of our SU President whose voice was heard all week announcing events.
STUDENTS PICK THE BEST OF THE FEST:
It would have to be both the performances by the Wooden Fingers company. They were absolutely amazing, entertaining and so creative- the music I enjoyed in particular. Alex ETA1
19/04/2010