Last night I attended my child's school's Shakespeare Festival. I am sure I speak for everyone who attended that we were absolutely flabbergasted. We had no idea what to expect and were we surprised!
It was a pure evening of childlike innocence yet with a flair of maturity and Shakespearean flair.
The festival started with a historical Maypole dance. As a parent, I loved it as I have heard of Maypole dancing but have never seen it actually done. It was lovely to see Grade 2 girls dressed like girls with pretty ribbons in their hair, weaving in and out, creating a twist of patterned colour. They weaved ribbons while skipping in between each other and showed their talents by unweaving it again still skipping in between friends. It took you back to that time and you could actually envision young girls laughing, skipping on fresh green grass in the sun.
After that lovely beginning, we were further enthralled by recitation of sonnets by Shakespeare. What surprised us was that from Grade 1 to Grade 4 children were standing confidently on a stage in front of a room full of adults, reciting these sonnets without fear, perfect pronunciation and smiles on their faces. I have no doubt that more than half of the audience did not know any of these sonnets and where surprised yet very proud that their children could stand in front of people and recite a sonnet without hesitation.
It also made us, parents realise that the new Ambleside curriculum is actually teaching our children more than just skills. It is inviting them into a world of culture, arts, knowledge and helping them realise that there is more to the world than hip hop, cellphones, movies and television.
Before getting to the main event of "Twelfth Night", we had an display of sword fighting. It showed and informed us of how sword fighting in the Elizabethian era was not about hurting people but proving your strength, courage and of course who was the better "person" as it were. It was quite lighthearted to see young men fight for valour and honor and not just for the sake of violence.
Then "Twelfth Night" was upon us. The Grade 5 to 7 students put on a near perfect, eloquent show of a play known by many. It was wonderful to see young people able to act and display Shakespeare in its traditional form. I have to admit, it was quite nice seeing Shakespeare as it should be and not modernised. These young ladies and men performed with confidence and even though, I am sure they got weary at some points, they never showed it. There were slight mistakes but they carried on with maturity and without making it too noticeable. I commend them on performing like professions and taking their job so seriously.
In closing, we had a very proud principal close to tears but with a big smile on his face. It is great to see teachers and a principal watch their students as if they were their own children. It gives me great pleasure to see teachers who are so committed, happy and willing to sacrifice for the sake of others.
So, as the great Mr. William Shakespeare asks, "To be or not to be is the question?"
And we reply, "To be it will be because God has made it so."
