A stage for self-discovery: My students' unforgettable experience at the ISSEA Drama and Arts Festival

 I am thrilled to have attended my first ISSEA Drama and Arts Festival. It was an unforgettable experience filled with positive emotions that inspired me.

The ISK campus was breathtaking, and despite our lack of sleep, we all vibrated enthusiastically. Our students were a mix of excited and nervous energy, and for good reason! The festivities started with a lively campus march led by passionate Kenyan drummers. The energy was electric, a perfect combination of creativity and teamwork that defines ISSEA. As we walked, children from other schools waved and shouted, treating us like family. It was a fantastic feeling!


The opening ceremony was a highlight reel of great performances. Each school interpreted this year's subject, "Parallel Realms," distinctively. Our students were intrigued by the various abilities displayed on the show. Backstage, they were naturally nervous, but I smiled and reminded them of all the hard work we had put in. The pride of AISM rested on their shoulders, and I knew they had the talent and determination to excel.


Watching the other schools perform was quite inspiring. Each item was distinct, demonstrating strengths in technique, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. It was a learning experience for the students and me and the opportunity to swap notes and gain new insights into theatre.


Our moment finally arrived, and the students took the stage, some for the first time. I could feel the tense energy crackling, but I encouraged them to breathe, stay in character, and believe in our work. And they did just that! They completed their performance with confidence, passion, and crystal-clear vocals, eliciting a loud ovation that filled me with a sense of accomplishment. AISM is finally here! 0:00-1:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHMp_4sA1pA)


The workshops were another fantastic highlight of the event. Students from several schools participated in "round robin" sessions guided by expert artists. These programs included dance theatre, vocal focus, physical theatre, storytelling, and puppetry and allowed students to broaden their skill set and experiment with new self-expression methods.


The atmosphere during the workshops was genuinely exceptional. It was heartening to observe students from diverse backgrounds interact, cooperate, and develop friendships with one another. When I asked them to name their most cherished experiences, they found it hard to pick just one. They valued camaraderie, open-mindedness, and willingness to take risks with their peers. It was delightful to witness shy children come out of their shells and engage with older kids, especially since we were the youngest group, with members ranging from grades 6 to 11. This experience highlighted the power of collaboration and its positive impact on young minds.


As a first-time attendee of the ISSEA event, I did not anticipate having to play multiple roles as a teacher chaperone. However, I ended up co-facilitating one of the groups. It was an excellent learning opportunity for both me and the students. We collaborated, planned, and eventually created a performance piece that was shown on the last day. The approach taken was student-led, and I enjoyed watching their ideas develop. While I offered help as needed and reminded them of time restrictions and narrative flow, I also encouraged them to trust the process.


The last performance night was the culmination of our hard work. Each group presented their own piece, and the diversity and creativity displayed were exceptional. I was incredibly proud of our young performers, not only for their outstanding performances but also for their leadership and teamwork skills. Seeing Janis and Lana actively participating in the play production was touching. The group respected their opinions and even directed their own allocated scenes. A sixth grader, Lana demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by guiding her group with maturity despite being younger than the other members.


In the meantime, Janis, a ninth-grader, provided some valuable tips on enhancing the narrator segment. These moments make you feel proud to be a theatre teacher. Some of the highlights from the performance include Yasmine's engaging character depiction, Sharlen's enchanting solo dance, and Estelle and Philippa's captivating performance in their twisted fairy tale. They represented the school and themselves, which is truly unique.


Saying goodbye was the most challenging part. Over the past few days, I had the opportunity to witness the connections between teachers, students, and schools. Seeing my students leave with new skills, memories, and a renewed understanding of diversity, collaboration, and the power of personal expression left a lasting impression on me.


This ISSEA experience was more than just a festival. It was an adventure in growth, discovery, and connection. As a first-time attendee, I will always cherish this incredible experience.

Location: Maputo, Mozambique

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