Talented students at Loughborough College are delivering a specially designed, Covid-secure online performance of a Greek classic on 25th March.
Level 2 Performing Arts learners have refused to let lockdowns get in the way of developing their stagecraft and will perform a radio play of Herakles, by Euripides.
The 30-minute play tells the story of the ancient Greek hero returning home after completing trials, only to find he is an outcast and must fight to save his honour.
Set in modern-day Palestine, against a backdrop of war, all actors performed and recorded their roles from their own homes using Microsoft Teams.
Emma Ledsam, Performing Arts Lecturer at the College, said: “Our Level 2 Performing Arts students have been exploring the birth of theatre in ancient Greece and have been developing a modern adaptation of Euripides’ winning drama Herakles.
“One of the biggest challenges has been teaching vocal characterisation to help them bring their characters to life by sound only. The learners have done incredibly well to adapt during lockdown to deliver excellent performances in extremely challenging circumstances. I’m so proud of them.”
The performance will only be available online.
Student Katherine Fairbrother, 16, from Loughborough, said it has been challenging learning to perform on her own, but that students have been exploring new apps and technology to help them.
“I have never done a radio play before, so it is an exciting new experience,” she said. “I’ve learned about all the different ways I need to use my voice so that the audience is clear about what is happening in the scene and how the way you sit can affect your voice.”
Katherine added: “It is weird performing without an audience because I am so used to seeing the audience reactions, so I imagine that I'm performing on stage and the camera is the audience because it makes me feel more confident.”
Melissa Girelli, 17, from Oadby, is also a cast member. She said: “I am very excited since it is a different adventure and am loving it. I have also got more into radio plays which makes me even more thrilled.”
In addition to the technical skills required to perform for radio, Herakles being adapted to be set in Palestine has also supported students’ learning about the conflict in the Middle East.
Tune in to the performance from 6pm on 25th March 2021 here: https://www.loucoll.ac.uk/performing-arts-events/herakles-by-euripides