A Five-Day Theatre Retreat

APAC Performance Theatre members left Guangzhou on February 20, heading to Brent International School of Manila to perform their play based on this year’s topic: Follow Your Feet.

Firstly, getting into the Philippines is an issue that is never quite acknowledged. Since the visa forms and the WEG forms (parents of kids under the age of 15 have to sign it in the Philippines Embassy in order to give AISG chaperones the permission to take students to the Philippines) was given at such late notice, one of the performers could not make the trip. As a result, the APAC Theatre members had to change the performance into a nine-person show instead of ten. Another problem they faced was detainment at the Philippines customs. The four students under the age of 15 had to pay a fine of around 570 RMB before they were allowed into the country. Despite this overwhelming experience at the borders, APAC Theatre students immensely enjoyed the following days at Brent, getting to know a variety of talented young performers and learn from three professional drama directors.

The five-day retreat began with performances from 6 schools as they revealed their diverse and unique take on the prompt “Follow Your Feet.” AISG’s Theatre members performed an original storyline of 4 puppets and 5 puppeteers in different conflict settings (e.g. sexuality/gender, social media, parental pressure), showcasing the theme of “control.” Their performance highlighted severe stereotypes in the modern day and problems that individuals face, while also bringing humor and drama to the stage. Immediately after the performances, the students were separated into three ensembles (a combination of different schools in each group) and started workshops with drama directors Ding Dong, Missy, and PJ. The directors each focused on teaching the important elements of Talk, Move, and Act as the three ensembles prepped new storylines for another show on Saturday evening.

Throughout the course of the next two days, APAC Theatre students collaborated with each other, shared ideas, and incorporated their talent into the making of the new play. The directors guided the three ensembles as they brainstormed and practiced the play— constantly providing suggestions and helping students implement emotion on stage. Despite having only one day to plan and execute, students were able to perform an improv (unscripted) play on Saturday in front of the Brent community and fellow ensembles.

Esther M, co-captain of AISG’s Theatre group, said that “APAC Theatre is a place to gather for a wholesome experience and an adventure that makes you say yeehaw at the end of it. The trip to Brent was full of laughter, and our final performance was so much fun in the making.”

Madeline C, who was returning for her second year of APAC Theatre, reflected on her thoughts about this year’s trip. “1st trip to Philippines, 2nd APAC [Theatre] trip… it was an amazing experience. We all learned so much from the directors and made friends with people from other schools. We’ve grown together like a family in each of our ensembles, which I think is really special, and I will definitely join again next year!”

Although APAC Theatre 2019 has ended, the experience and friendship in this trip will last.