Straight from the Heart: A Theatre Project with Young Students
1. Introduction:
A collaboration between AfricanTide and Anne-Frank-Gesamtschule Dortmund birthed the ambitious theatrical project “Straight from the Heart”. Over a span of six months, 22 students from the 5th and 6th grades, aged between 10 and 13, embarked on a journey of theatrical discovery.
2. Objective:
The central aim was to provide the young students a platform to delve into theatre arts, fostering creativity, boosting confidence, and promoting the values of diversity and multicultural cooperation.
3. Preliminary Workshops:
Guided by the seasoned actor, Mr. Sulaimon, students participated in theatre-pedagogical exercises to acclimate them with the world of drama. Over 16 hours, the focus lay on nurturing body awareness and honing concentration. Given that the children were novices to theatrical arts, these foundational sessions were paramount.
4. Challenges:
The road was not without its bumps. Seven of the participating children had emotional and social deficits, making the process challenging due to behavioural concerns.
5. Conceptualization:
In brainstorming sessions, students actively contributed ideas centered on the theme of diversity and multiculturalism. Given the multicultural backdrop of their school environment, the theme resonated deeply with them. They further explored the topic through visual arts, painting vivid illustrations that captured various facets of the play.
6. Script Development and Improvisation:
Using improvisation exercises, the students were encouraged to interact with the subject matter, which aided them in shaping the narrative of the play. They were introduced to textual work, and in the process, they learned to craft intricate textual dialogues. The children were not just passive participants; they played a pivotal role in the creative formation of the script and overall content.
7. Conclusion:
“Straight from the Heart” emerged not just as a theatrical piece, but as a testament to the immense potential and creativity harbored by young minds. It’s a shining example of how collaborative efforts between institutions can give rise to projects that cater to the holistic development of children, instilling in them values of unity, cooperation, and artistic expression.
