The Year 8 Drama classes had the privilege of learning about all things Commedia Dell’Arte on Thursday 23 October. The incursion covered the basics of the comedy form and students learnt that it was first performed in the 16th Century in Italy. Professional actors who were highly skilled in acrobatics and 'slapstick' style of comedy would perform improvised scenarios in and outside the theatre. Shane McMullan from Into the Mask Theatre went through each stock character using the iconic masks and improvised hilarious scenes for the students. Students then had a chance to perform each character and create their own slapstick comedy (with a real slapstick!) The laughter and excitement in the room was energising and we look forward to the students using the knowledge learnt to apply this to their own performances.

Eileen Devereux
Drama Teacher