Class 10’s Play ‘Icarus’

There was much to get excited about in Class 10’s production of ‘Icarus’ – a one-act play by Jessica Chipman. First to catch the eye was the striking white stage-set with its full-size tree and its many portable blocks allowing for great flexibility and plenty of movement to help carry the narrative. The story, consisting of several Greek Legends brought together, had many strands to it but with the help of a storyteller, the dedication of the Class 10 students and the impressive enrichment of costumes, music and lighting, we stayed well on board.  As the characters grew from childhood to adulthood, the roles were shared and this was very gracefully done in front of us, helping us to recognise their new status. At the centre of the play was the Master Craftsman Daedalus – always working to improve man’s lot; there was his love of nature, especially of the starry heavens at night but also of his beloved son Icarus. There were dramatic moments such as the raging, greedy Minotaur being restrained, then the grand fight to the death, and finally the escape-flight in which Icarus rose joyfully up into the sky – only to come too close to the sun when his wings melted and fell off – and we saw him fall and perish in a wild sea.  
This was a play to be proud of Class 10 – with a special note of praise for the 5 foreign visitors to the class for whom it must have been extra challenging. ‘Outstanding’ goes to Octi for the Minotaur’s head, Eli for the wings and Marika (with the help of our own Master Craftsman Nigel) for the set – and much more.
Christine