On Thursday 17 October, in celebration of Black History Month, our drama scholars (along with some other performers) put on a Performance Showcase to celebrate the works and influence of black artists.
Held in the Tithe Barn, the showcase provided an opportunity to raise awareness with pieces including monologues, speeches, poetry and plays. It was wonderful to see so many of our pupils from across the College getting involved and for some, it was their first time performing in a Shiplake Showcase.
Additionally, a special mention must go to our host for the evening. Year 11 pupil and Drama Scholar – Z Miles - did a fantastic job of introducing each act and at the start of the showcase said the following:
‘Tonight, we gather to celebrate the exceptional achievements of black playwrights and first, who have enriched the world of theatre and literature with their talents, creativity, and unique perspectives. Black History Month is a time to recognize, honour, and pay tribute to the extraordinary, the extraordinary contributions of black individuals throughout history.
This is an opportunity for communities to come together and foster a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shaped the lives of those who are black. As we gather to celebrate these remarkable trailblazers, we acknowledge the responsibility we hold in representing their stories and experiences with sensitivity and respect. We understand that our intention is not so appropriate or misrepresent their lives, but to pay homage to the stories, poetry, and scriptures generously shared by our black creators through the power of theatre.
We hope to amplify the voices and experience of black artists, inspire thought provoking conversations, and promote greater representation and diversity in the arts. We recognize that history and these experiences may present, onstage or not, our own, and we have carefully crafted tonight's performances to ensure we do justice to the rich tapestry that is black history and culture. The arts have long been a powerful platform for celebrating diversity and promoting representation.
Black artists, poets and playwrights have enriched our global culture, and it is our privilege to honour the valuable, valuable contributions to make it.’
Well done to the following pupils who took to the stage:
- Chloe Conway & Grace Perkins - Becoming Free by Chloe Conway and Grace Perkins
- Eva Merry & Kitty Martin - A Rock in Water by Winsome Pinnock
- Felix Greenway - Everything I Own by Daniel Ward
- George Harrison - Human Family by Maya Angelou
- Liam Ellison - Plymouth Rock Speech by Malcolm X
- Danny Petrov - The Piano Lesson by August Wilson
- Albie Ball - Othello by William Shakespeare
- Johnny Pearson - The Mountaintop by Katori Hall
- Archie Parmar & Rory Collar - Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah
- Will Griffith - Fences by August Wilson
- George Watson - Clay by Carol S. Lashof
Please enjoy each full performance below. in addition to a full photo gallery.
