Japanese PhD student observes 5th Year Drama, Film and Theatre Studies class for her studies

During her visit, Momiji observed the class critiquing the final scene of the National Theatre's production of their prescribed text, 'Home' by Nadia Fall. This play is in the tradition of Verbatim theatre, where the words spoken by the actors are a word-for-word retelling of someone's real experience. Fall interviewed residents and staff at one of London's largest hostels for vulnerable young people, and turned these testimonials into an authentic moving play with brilliant sound and set design, and incredibly impressive beat boxing. Students then discussed the impact this show had on them, as the play offers no sugar-coating of the serious issue of homeless in the UK.

In the next class Momiji observed students take ideas from 'Home', both in terms of the genre of Verbatim theatre, and the production design, and begin devising their own pieces for their Applied Creative Task in Theatre. Students have already conducted interviews with their peers and members of staff on their chosen questions, 'Tell me about a memory you have from childhood', and 'What impact do you think love has on a person', and will continue to transcribe these interviews and start to shape them into a production.

These shows will then be performed to an audience of their peers in mid-March as part of their ACTs.

Thanks to Momiji for visiting our school, and the very best of luck with your research.

Ms Talbot