This year’s dramatic offering from Form 1, Tuishi Pamoja, was by all accounts a delight from start to finish. Full of heart-warming moments, the show promoted the message of acceptance and friendship towards all, regardless of their differences; an important lesson for all.
Raffi, a young giraffe, and Zea, a young zebra, wander off from their rival herds and become friends, confused as to why their herds are in such conflict with each other. They are too scared to return to their herds as they may not be allowed to maintain their blossoming friendship. The characterful group of meerkats help to orchestrate the reunion of the herds after much argy-bargy.
The children created beautiful masks with Form 1 Teacher Miss Williams in their art lessons which brought the characters to light and added even more colour to the stage. The classes worked on their individual herds and also on their group sections, including comedic chases and fight scenes. The children demonstrated advanced physical theatre using their bodies to create animals together in groups of two and three. Simultaneous physical and vocal characterisation was seen throughout.
One of many comments from parents: “In the sharply shifting world we seem to be sliding into, where tolerance and appreciation for difference seems to be an unnecessary "PC" gesture, I'm so relieved to have my little people taught these lessons of love and friendship. Thank you for the great and timely choice of play, superb casting and as ever the brilliant music.”
