Final year students to showcase talents at theatre production
04.02.2022
Third year students from the BA Acting, Set Design and Theatre Design and Production courses at The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) are preparing to stage a production of ‘Education, Education, Education’ at the Halliwell Theatre on the University’s Carmarthen Campus.
Set in 1997 after the landslide victory of the Labour party and the iconic Education, Education, Education speech from Tony Blair, the production, by the Wardrobe Ensemble, follows a German exchange teacher named Tobias as he navigates his way around a British comprehensive school during one of the final days of term for the year eleven students.
Directed by Actor and Director Hannah McPake, the Assistant Director is actor Amelia Ryan who is a recent graduate from the BA Acting course.
Amelia said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to be back at UWTSD on main house, having only done this module myself in 2019 which was the last time we were able to have an audience on campus before the pandemic struck!”
“Being on the other side of the rehearsal room and getting to see how much hard work and dedication it takes to direct and run the room has been a real eye-opener, and I have been so pleased to have had the opportunity to work and learn from Hannah and to watch her do some creative magic to tie this whole show together!
“The third years have put so much time and effort into this piece and you will be able to see how marvellous and creative they all are - I cannot express how proud I am to have been a part of this process with them and have been able to guide them along the way in any way I can.”
Director Hannah McPake said ‘Education, Education, Education’ asks questions about: "how you learn, how you should behave and how you build something new whilst also remembering what’s gone before.
She added: “It’s a story that can only be told through the medium of live theatre - mixing sharp text with anarchic dance sequences, live projection, and a bold design aesthetic. The third year Acting, Set Design and Theatre Design & Production students have risen to the challenge of creating a live show in these challenging times. The show is a celebration of the potential of education to change hearts and minds, the power of live theatre to connect us and most of all a cracking night out.”
Stacey-Jo Atkinson, Programme Manager for the Theatre Design and Production course said: “It’s been wonderful to see the students back in the rehearsals rooms, scenic workshop and theatre. Even during these challenging times, the students have really taken ownership of the project and are producing fantastic work. It’s really exciting to see the how all the students have worked alongside the directors to take the piece from page to stage.”
Programme Manager for BA Acting Lynne Seymour said: “As we celebrate 200 years of UWTSD it only seems fitting to put on a light-hearted piece that not only embraces the trials and tribulations of school life but also gives an opportunity for our BA Acting, Set Design and Theatre Design and Production students to work together on a practical project that challenges and develops creativity, collaboration and resilience in an unpredictable post-Covid world within the Creative Industries and beyond!”
The performances of ‘Education, Education, Education' will take place in the Halliwell Theatre on the 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th of February. Tickets will be available for the public depending on covid restrictions.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas, Principal Communications and PR Officer
07449 998476
