A beautiful, mesmerising place.
We were fortunate enough to work with Adam Fraser, drama teacher at International School of Yangon, for 3 days. A flying visit with no time to spare, our experience of Yangon was short and sweet, but left a huge impression on myself, Nei and Tak.
The Burmese people are so kind and welcoming. A smile goes a long way here. The food is delicious – fish soup and noodles for breakfast was a highlight. The golden Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline – even more beautiful at night.
The students at ISY were a mixed of Burmese and international. 25 students, from ages 12-18, many of whom didn't even know each other before this project, by the end felt like family. Everyone was so professional and committed. A most obvious display of their collective talent was the ensemble improvisation in groups – generating a completely original idea that the group have to follow in a split second, and then the next, carrying on for 5-10 minutes. Most IB theatre students have trouble with this exercise. These kids got it in 5 minutes.
The final show as a great success. A mixture of students, parents and the public. The students involved were fantastic, their ability to interact with the audience superb. And a special mention for the brave young man from the audience with a hoarse voice who took on the General character in the interactive Q&A – brought the house down.
Before we left, we visited the Gitameit music centre, where Htun Htun kindly showed us around and explained the plans to expand the only music centre in the city. With a strong focus on piano, guitar and also the traditional Burmese instruments, Gitameit are doing some great work, and we will be visiting them next time for 'The 3 Hermanos'.
So, goodbye Yangon. We can't wait to see you again.
Tim
We were fortunate enough to work with Adam Fraser, drama teacher at International School of Yangon, for 3 days. A flying visit with no time to spare, our experience of Yangon was short and sweet, but left a huge impression on myself, Nei and Tak.
The Burmese people are so kind and welcoming. A smile goes a long way here. The food is delicious – fish soup and noodles for breakfast was a highlight. The golden Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline – even more beautiful at night.
The students at ISY were a mixed of Burmese and international. 25 students, from ages 12-18, many of whom didn't even know each other before this project, by the end felt like family. Everyone was so professional and committed. A most obvious display of their collective talent was the ensemble improvisation in groups – generating a completely original idea that the group have to follow in a split second, and then the next, carrying on for 5-10 minutes. Most IB theatre students have trouble with this exercise. These kids got it in 5 minutes.
The final show as a great success. A mixture of students, parents and the public. The students involved were fantastic, their ability to interact with the audience superb. And a special mention for the brave young man from the audience with a hoarse voice who took on the General character in the interactive Q&A – brought the house down.
Before we left, we visited the Gitameit music centre, where Htun Htun kindly showed us around and explained the plans to expand the only music centre in the city. With a strong focus on piano, guitar and also the traditional Burmese instruments, Gitameit are doing some great work, and we will be visiting them next time for 'The 3 Hermanos'.
So, goodbye Yangon. We can't wait to see you again.
Tim
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