Orban School welcomes audience into Shrek’s ogre swamp
With this years production, the Grade 1 to 7 pupils at Orban School took the audience into the world of the loveable ogre Shrek and his Donkey pal.
Orban School dared the audience to travel where no audience member is welcome… An ogre’s swamp! Oh, but this wasn’t any old menacing ogre’s swamp, it was onion toting Shrek’s home.
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So, to tell his story, a cast of pupils, from Grade 1 to 7, brought to life the exciting story of two unlikely characters journey to friendship, which sees them rescue a princess from a dragon guarded tower.
The school produces major productions such as this every year, and has all learners take part. This year, the story they told is one said to speak to diversity, inclusivity, and mental health, and to tell this story they had drama and dance lessons during school hours in term one.
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Drama teacher Michele Zulch said the biggest challenge the young actors came across was the preparation process, as it really required a high level of endurance from the learners. “The preparation process gives the children the confidence to perform, because they know the lines so well, that stage fright won’t interfere with their performance.” She said, it is usually within the preparation process that children learn to problem solve as a team, which, of course, is challenging.
Being part of a production has numerous benefits for children. How she sees it, outside of building confidence, it also builds their communication skills, and develops crucial life skills, such as teamwork. The arts are important as they promote various aspects of development, including cognitive, emotional, and physical skills.
Zulch thanked each and every member of the Orban family for their efforts and collaboration. “They made this year’s production the big success it was. As we say: ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’.”
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