Forget about your standard classroom and enter, stage right, into the world of theatre!
Mixing learning with fun, English teachers at the Aidi primary school have found an innovative way of teaching their students – through the theatre! Combining textbook material with classical plays, teachers create age-group adapted scripts for their students to perform on stage. Great literature, great music, and great performances – who knew learning could be this exciting?
And the learning doesn’t just start and end at rehearsal! Not only does reading and performing in English help students get a better grasp of the language, it also allows them to explore universal themes, foreign cultures, and the importance of teamwork. Can you say the same of an English textbook?
From the redemption of Elphaba in Wicked the Musical to the social awareness in Les Miserables, Aidi School’s English teachers have succeeded in creating modern adaptations of these classic theatre pieces without losing their original core values and morals.
Here's a particular play that stood out from the crowd: The Three Time Travelers.
The Three Time Travelers tells the story of Alex, Phoebe, and Patrick, three children who time travel in order to experience an authentic Elvis concert. Along the way, they meet the Rock ‘N’ Roll superstar himself and use their combined wisdom to help him solve his personal woes.
In Act II, In Istanbul, our time travelling heroes land in a mysterious Arab kingdom where the princess has been kidnapped. Using courage and wits, the children journey across the desert to rescue the princess.
What if Romeo and Juliet had a different original ending? Act III takes place in William Shakespeare’s 16th century England, where his new play doesn’t quite receive the same acclaim that we know today. With the help of our three favourite time travelers, he finally finds the perfect ending to the play that is now loved worldwide.
Final Act, the Wild West! Police shootouts, cowboys, and bandits – our three heroes (and the audience) get to experience a thrilling part of America’s colourful history.
In total, 175 students from 8 classes took part in the English Drama Show and teachers and students alike participated in the creation of props and costumes for their big day.
The AIDI School is an educational project of cooperation between the Chinese and Australian governments. Located in Beijing, China, AIDI School provides K-12 International education and is committed to cultivating the world citizen with Chinese culture identity.
