A Trip to the RSC Leaves Drama Students Inspired
On Thursday 14 September GCSE and A Level Drama students embarked on a captivating journey to the RSC Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Their destination was a performance of Tanika Gupta’s ‘The Empress,’ a beautifully crafted play that skilfully interweaves the true story of Queen Victoria’s relationship with Abdul Karim, the Queen’s Indian Secretary, and the experiences of Indian ayahs who ventured to Britain during the nineteenth century.
As part of the enthralled audience, we were spellbound by the exceptional direction, clever staging, and seamless scene transitions that flawlessly conveyed the narrative without resorting to blackouts or elaborate set changes. The acting and set design vividly brought to life various settings, including the tumultuous ship voyage, the dreary Tilbury docks, Lascar Sally’s residence, and the palace. This was accomplished by utilising the long-thrust stage and a bridge constructed above it, adorned with imposing gilt portraits on both stage left and right, where Queen Victoria and Lady Sarah held court.
The evening proved to be a resounding success, leaving our students with a wealth of material to draw upon for their Live Theatre responses.