Bewitched by 'Vamp Draculina'
Teens in action |
Student ownership of learning was dramatically highlighted in the
Overseas School of Colombo's most recent production, The Vamp Draculina
an original black comedy rooted in melodrama. Senior IB Theatre Arts
students devised the plot, designed lighting, sound, special effects,
costumes and choreography.
The students created an unforgettable experience, with large ensemble
cast of 200 students performed to appreciative audiences.
The journey begins in a not-so-abandoned London underground station,
Aldwych. Draculina. A night club singer down on her luck, moves into
squat after her dysfunctional mother has squandered the family fortune
on research into garbology. They are joined by a love struck minion,
Genghis.
Fate ensnares a gullible Governess and her precocious charge within
this underground world as their educational trip to the Tower of London
is unexpectedly interrupted.
Teens who took part in the drama |
Hungry and cold they are rescued by a Coast Guard who guides them to
sanctuary in a nearby cabaret bar, owned by an irrepressibly happy
Hansel and Gretel, both seeking sparkles of a very different kind. An
Omniscient Chronicler, and his companion Mary, foretell the future and
liberally grant wishes to these colliding characters as they strive to
escape their own personal labyrinths.
The music and lyrics were written by the IB Theatre Arts teacher,
Bryan Lee. All music was performed live in the school's fantastic
experimental theatre by the students of OSC.
The Overseas School of Colombo also hosted accreditation workshops
for teachers at fully accredited international schools from the Asian
Region. The Overseas School of Colombo is the only fully accredited
school in Sri Lanka, with accreditations through the Council of
International Schools, UK and the Middle States Association of Schools
and Colleges, USA.
Teachers and school leaders from the Asian region will attend the
workshops in the school's auditorium, along with the teachers from OSC,
to allow them to gain certification as members of school accreditation
teams. The workshops will be run by Margaret Alvarez who is head of the
regional accreditation office in Singapore.
A scene from the drama |
OSC is one of a growing number of schools that has the stamp of
excellence that comes from international accreditation through the
Council of International Schools.
Schools have to meet stringent standards with their curriculum,
governance, financial transparency, buildings and grounds, teacher
qualifications and professional development and community life. During
their last accreditation five years ago OSC gained high ratings for the
quality of teaching, campus facilities, supportive governance,
transparency of finances (not for profit school) and positive community
atmosphere.
However OSC was advised that an internationally accredited school
should have a sports facility of higher quality. As a direct result OSC
is completely rebuilding their sports hall to match the other impressive
facilities at their Battaramulla campus. |