Scotland, Day 4

This was a very busy day, so we're resting this morning.

In the morning we saw Far, a short play written by the drama teacher and performed by students from southern California.  It was unique.  Later in the day, our students had to dress up and bring costumes to the Royal Mile as they had to perform on a small stage on the Mile.  It informs the public what we have to offer and invites more people to come see our play.  It's fascinating.  Before the 20 min.performance, students, dressed in their costumes, walked around in character and talked to the people on the streets.  They handed out our cards.  Andrea walked around like a wind-up soldier; later she had trouble bending her knees!  Hitler/MotherTheresa along with the Pope made their rounds as well (I could hear them with their voices in full swing and in character).  Sofia as God stood on a small platform and invited people into her world.  Juan walked around like a toy soldier and handed out cards.  Our ballet dancer (Patty) and the devil(Jazmin) enticed others along the Mile.  Our Jewish girl (Tracy) and little girl (Maddie) continued in their timid and "little girl" voices as well.  We almost ran out of cards before our performance.  Many people on the street took pictures of them. They finally performed their shortened version of the play.  People stopped, observed, became engaged.  Little kids were in front of the stage as the "dolls" walked around.  It was a success. We were also so touched by Nancy, Karen, and Jacques's attendance to support us. (high tea hosts)

Afterwards, we went to another play, Terezin, Children of the Holocaust, which was so moving and based on a true experience.  It involved six children in the days before their deportation to Ausschwitz Concentration Camp.  Only one of the six survived.  Beautiful acting. Our students were touched by it and wondered how it would feel if the actors of this play would come to our play and see Hitler and the treatment of the Jewish girl. 

Later after dinner, we went to another play, The American Family, based on college students' real lives.  Students from West Washington University and Bucknell University met a year ago, talked about their own experiences, and emailed/talked throughout the year.  They met four days before their first performance and put it all together.  It was fast-paced, engaging, thought-provoking, and well-acted.  We could all relate.  I wish you had seen the conversation that it inspired afterwards.  We talked about our own family experiences and shared special moments.  What constitutes an American family? Best of all, our students talked to the actors from the play.  We hope they will come to our play as well.  This was a special occasion for Mr. Burt as he knew some of the people in charge.

Today students are doing laundry, fixing and ironing their costumes for their second performance this afternoon.  Let's hope it goes well.