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Shakespeare Schools Festival 2016
Posted: 15th November 2016
On Wednesday 16th November 16 students from Burnt Mill took part in the 2016 Shakespeare Schools Festival.
Burnt Mill participated alongside three other casts from local secondary schools presenting four 30 minute versions of some of Shakespeare's most popular plays. The performance was held at the Playhouse Theatre in Harlow. Burnt Mill Presented a version of Romeo and Juliet, which highlighted themes of sexism and patriarchy to create sympathy for the young lovers. Directed by Mr Watson, they used Japanese sword-play and electronic music to give the piece energy and give it a contemporary but timeless look and feel.
Speaking of the performance, Mr Watson said "The cast all brought a youthful intensity and to Shakespeare's lines, allowing us to tell this well-known story in a vital way, challenging the audience to experience it anew.
I think that the important thing about the Shakespeare Schools Festival is that it challenges teachers and students to interpret Shakespeare's plays within strict limitations of time and resources. This process gives students a vital and personal insight into what is essential and enduring in Shakespeare's plots and language."
A video from the dress rehearsal can be seen here and photos are in the Performing Arts folder in the gallery.
The full cast was:
Romeo - Harry Bailey
Juliet - Maisie Felstead
Capulet - Jaden Cox
Lady Capulet - Eliza May-Omiadze
Montague - Alfi Howard-Morgan
Lady Montague - Sally Glynn
Tybalt - Izzy Baker
Nurse - Rachel Fletcher
Benvolio - Owen Stringer
Mercutio - Alex Chitseko
Friar Lawrence - Ashton Cox
Abraham - Holly Qaushi
Sampson -Juliet Orton
Gregory - Brooke Nelson
Balthazar - Georgia Sims
Paris - Aristotelis Sanozidis