At the flag-raising ceremony last week, Ms Jiang, Ms Tang, and our theatre prefect, Thomas Chen, shared their feelings and thoughts on their enthusiasm for theatre.
Cultivating Drama with Passion, Enriching Life through Theatre
Ms Angel Tang
Today, I would like to discuss “creativity” through drama. Some students may perceive creativity as a challenging endeavor, but in reality, it is both simple and joyful, and it can infuse life with excitement. Last year, Ms Jiang and I decided to embark on a project to create original Chinese productions. The reason for pursuing originality is that we do not wish to merely replicate or follow the paths already taken by others; instead, we aim to guide our students in creating something that is entirely our own.
As a result, I adapted a novel I had written long ago into a script titled “快乐星球 haha land.” The process of scriptwriting is indeed a creative act, representing a journey from zero to one. However, it is the efforts of all the crew members transform that one into a hundred.
Throughout this process, I witnessed the actors pouring their understanding of their characters into their performances, revealing aspects of the characters that were not explicitly written in the script. I observed the design team infusing their creativity into every detail of the posters and tickets. I also saw the costume and prop design team dedicating their spare time to crafting the backdrop. Of course, without the innovative contributions of the translation team, we would not have arrived at the perfect English title “Haha Land”. Everything involved is a form of creation. Ultimately, the play presented on stage is the result of a collective effort, a culmination of hard work, and it embodies the joy and sense of achievement of everyone involved.
Therefore, we have decided to continue this endeavor. This year, we have created a second original Chinese production titled “大圣归来.” Creativity is inexhaustible, and the passion for creation will never cease. Because of our passion for it, we are continuously motivated; because of our passion, we will eventually reunite on the stage of the drama.
Theatre Prefect — Thomas Chen
The word “passion” has gained an increasing amount of attention following the unique performance of the Chinese stand-up comedian 付航. His passion lays within comedy. But what is passion? I believe it is something worthy of your dedication, a pursuit you can immerse yourself in entirely. For me, that passion is theatre.
So, how did I discover this profound love for theatre? It was a gradual realization. Unlike when doing my math homework, I wouldn’t feel the urge to check WeChat moment when reading a script. Theatre captivates me in a way that few other activities can. It’s not just about performing; it’s a vibrant process of exploration and discovery. Each character, each scene, and each line of dialogue offers an opportunity to understand not only the story being told but also the intricacies of human emotion and connection.
I was casted as the lead role in my very first production “A Lighter Shade of Noir”, but the path ahead is covered with spikes and uncertainty. I would have not conquered the stage it if it wasn’t for the patience of the directors and the support from all peers. It’s a privilege to be apart of the Gubei Community, surrounded by people who share mutual appreciation for theatre, and where talent is always reserved a spark where it will be ignited into flame. If theatre is your passion too, don’t hesitate.
Although, the same opportunities and environment might not apply to everyone, I still deeply encourage you to keep the flame of passion alive in our souls. It’s essential to protect and nurture that inner spark, whether it’s through hobbies, interests, or creative outlets. Passion can be a guiding light in the darkest of times, this individuality reminds us of what we love and what makes us feel alive. It’s influence and effect exist far beyond ourselves.
Ms Liv Jiang
Thank you, Ms Tang and Thomas. Creativity and passion are indeed what theatre can bring to us. As a member from theatre department, I also want to talk about how theatre can really transform us on a personal level.
Performing isn’t just for the chosen few; it’s something we all have in us. Every single one of us can act! Theatre does not just shape who you are; it could be the backbone of your life and pave your way in the future.
For starter, it is a surefire way to pump up your self-esteem. It doesn’t just boost your confidence in your acting chops; it spills over into every corner of your life. When you’re working on a theatre project, you’ve got to collaborate with your crew, share ideas, and think about how to make your message hit home with the audience.
And because theatre is about teamwork, you find yourself facing fresh challenges every day, brainstorming solutions, and crafting the best game plan for whatever task is at hand. Plus, it helps you get a grip on what makes others tick, building up your emotional intelligence and strengthening your relationships with your peers.
And let’s be real—theatre is a blast! You don’t have to stress about mastering all the skills I mentioned above. You’ll naturally grow while having a great time with the art of drama. That’s the real magic of Theatre!
Just recently, I caught a performance of Hamlet by The Schaubühne Theatre Company in Shanghai. They flipped the script on the classic Hamlet using some cutting-edge theatrical techniques, and it hit me: Theatre is all about telling a story to the audience in the moment, helping you see life clearly and carve out your own path. To be or not to be? That is a question. But at least you start to get a clearer picture of your life goals and become motivated to chase them down.
Over the past 50 years, theater has kept evolving and growing. Applied drama has taken off, proving that drama can be a game-changer in fields like psychotherapy and education. More and more people are waking up to the power of drama, pushing us to broaden our view of what theatre can do. In Gubei campus, we’ve never stopped exploring the world of theatre.
This week, we’re kicking off our first THEATRE FESTIVAL event, where the theatre department, along with other enthusiastic teachers and students, has put together a whole lineup of exciting drama activities. We’re rolling out the red carpet for all teachers and students to join in; being part of the audience is the fastest way to dive into the theatre experience. Trust me, it’s going to be an unforgettable theatrical extravaganza! Thank you!
