| James Kon |
A TOTAL of 159 students from 10 schools under the Federation of British and International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) further built their interest on drama play at the FOBISIA Drama Conference held from February 19-21 at the Jerudong International School (JIS) Arts Centre.
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the British playwright, William Shakespeare; to celebrate it, the British Council and the Great Britain campaign created ‘Shakespeare Lives’, a major global programme for 2016 celebrating Shakespeare’s works and his influence on culture, education and society.
The FOBISIA Drama Conference is structured around and focusses upon the works of Shakespeare.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell yesterday visited the drama conference to express his approval to the participants.
“It’s great that Jerudong International School is using its superb facilities to host a regional school event during this special anniversary year. Watching young people from different countries perform his plays reminds us that Shakespeare truly is a playwright for all times.” he said.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell speaks to the students
Students in one of the drama workshops. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Touching on Shakespeare’s contribution to the world, he said “Many of us came across Shakespeare when we were in our studies. This is a brilliant avenue for students to get a grasp of portraying words and emotion through dance and drama.
“I think this is as much about creativity and communication as well as giving people a chance to get an understanding of the various plays,” he added.
JIS Director of Drama Will Kemp, who also organised the drama conference, said “We are doing a series of workshops which allows our students and others from international schools to experience William Shakespeare’s play to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his death.”
The participating international schools include International School Brunei, Jerudong International School, British International School Ho Chi Minh City, Garden International School of Thailand, The International School ParkCity of Malaysia, Bromsgrove International School Bangkok, Garden International School of Malaysia, British International School Kuala Lumpur, British School Manila and St Andrew International School Green Valley.
JIS Principal Barnaby Sandow said “It is wonderful to be able to have the opportunity to welcome our overseas guests to Brunei Darussalam and JIS – to be able to show them what a special place this is and what a fantastic school this is.”
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