Dulwich Shakespeare Festival Returns!
Confidence, collaboration, creativity – three words to describe the beloved Dulwich Shakespeare Festival that brings together hundreds of students and teachers each year to celebrate Shakespeare and his timeless legacy. The festival welcomes practitioners from the Royal Shakespeare Company as well, who work together with the participants to bring to life the annual festival theme and Shakespeare's language. Students develop their performance, collaborative and communication skills in a safe yet challenging environment while teachers build a community of practice with colleagues across the network and parents experience first-hand the impact of the partnership and celebrate the achievements of their children.
This sentiment was echoed by hundreds of students from 7 different schools, many experiencing this grand reunion for the first time. They discovered the value of collaboration, drawing from diverse backgrounds and ages.
A student from Dulwich College Beijing reflected:
“We can learn from each other because we all come from diverse backgrounds, from different cities and a variety of ages. So I feel like it's a really good opportunity to connect and learn through drama.”
Our days were filled with workshops led by RSC's skilled practitioners, where students explored not just the art of theatre but also critical life skills such as empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The workshops transcended beyond mere performance art, as highlighted by Alex Tew, Festival Director and Head of Drama at the hosting school Dulwich College Beijing:
“Our partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company is really unique and really valuable for our students. They're able to learn from and work with experienced theatre practitioners, practitioners that live and breathe this world as day to day life.”
Garry Russell, Head of College from Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, a former drama student himself, emphasised the multifaceted learning opportunities inherent in drama:
“I actually think it's difficult to think of another subject or area where students can learn so many skills at the same time. As a former drama student myself, I know the importance of empathy, collaboration, the ability to think critically — just a few skills that our students are developing and mastering through their work with the RSC.”
The festival also provided a unique platform for teachers to connect, share, and grow. They participated in professional development sessions, enhancing their pedagogical skills and exchanging innovative ideas.
