Sixth Year English students visited the Theatre Royal in Waterford on Friday 17th of January to watch a performance and discussion of King Lear. The show was also an in depth discussion of the play's key moments and their significance. Students also got a chance to question the actors at the end of the play. The feedback was very positive, students finding the actors’ performances especially gripping and impressive. As is often the case, the ECC students were easily the best behaved of the four schools present, and we were very proud of them. Also, it was nice not to be stuck in Dublin traffic for once!
Third Year students accompanied by their English teachers went to Clasac Theatre in Clontarf on Monday January 20th to see the Gaiety players perform some key scenes from the Merchant of Venice. The Shakespearean experience was interactive with lots of discussion about characters, staging and all things related to the directing and staging of the play. The acting company were very aware of the types of questions students are asked in state examinations and dealt with these in a fun, engaging and interactive way. Again the students were excellently behaved as always and enjoyed a rousing sing song and trip to McDonalds on the way home.
A special thanks to all the teachers in the English department for organising both trips which will hopefully assist students with their examination preparation.