Last term all the pupils in the school were involved in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture project and studied the painting ‘Penelope and the Suitors’ by the Italian Renaissance artist Pintoricchio. The painting was also the inspiration for the Key Stage 2 Greek drama Odysseus performed on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th July 2018 in the school hall.
Famed for his courage, intelligence, and leadership, Odysseus was one of the great heroes of Greek mythology. His resourcefulness and oratory skills were instrumental in the Greek victory of the Trojan War.
The pupils told part of the Odysseus story though drama, song and dance, with the focus of the pupils’ performances being the abduction of Helen of Sparta, Odysseus’s involvement in the Trojan War and, finally, his return home and back to his wife, Queen Penelope.
Western theatre has its roots in the theatre of Ancient Greece and the plays that originated there. Consequently, the Ancient Greeks have left us today with a tremendous artistic legacy. This great legacy was amply demonstrated in the penultimate week of term. The Greek dramas performed then reflected how mature many of our pupils are, particularly those in the upper years. Their acting was superb, singing enthusiastic and the dancing (which the children choreographed themselves), a joy to watch. All the elements that a successful Greek drama requires. No doubt, many of these pupils will be seen again on stage, whether at Holy Redeemer or elsewhere.
A big thank you to our Super Stars of Sparta and Tremendous Thespians of Troy!
