Recently, five students ranging from 8th to 12th grade, embarked on an inspiring International Schools Theater Association (ISTA) trip to Belgrade, Serbia, accompanied by Ms. Kaitlin Kemp (MS Drama) and Cheryl Kurata (MS/HS Math).The trip began with a city-tour and then an excursion to Silosi, a vibrant arts and culture hub in the city and Dorcol Platz where the students participated in a stencil graffiti workshop by resident artist Aleksandra Petkovic aimed at discussing the reclamation of space and the transformative power of art.
During this enriching experience, our students collaborated with peers from three other European schools and two esteemed theater artists to develop a unique piece of theater. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting story of the Danube mermaid, the performance explored the confluence of the two bodies of water--Danube and Sava-- and echoed the themes of their excursion and workshop with the local graffiti artist.
Utilizing the devising method, the students created a piece that was not bound by traditional narrative structures. Instead, it was a dynamic blend of physical theater and collective creation, placing the students at the heart of the artistic process. Jess Thorpe, the festival's artistic director, recognized the exceptional talent and maturity of our group, stating, "This particular group of students is special, so I’m going to treat them more like artists and really push them."
Over the course of four transformative days, our students not only connected with their fellow participants, but also embraced the opportunity to create and perform a piece that resonated deeply with their experiences. This excursion was not just about theater; it was about collaboration, creativity, and the powerful impact of art in reclaiming spaces and expressing stories.
We are incredibly proud of our students and look forward to seeing how this experience influences their artistic journeys in the future!