Educating Risa

Both Daegan and Gareth had their final drama classes of the winter session today, and gave short performances to friends and family during the last half of their class. Here’s the highlights of Daegan’s performance (hover mouse over pics for details):

The intro line, in which each child stepped forward and said their name and the character they were playing. Daegan is between Tweedle Dee (or Dum?) and Alice, and I have to say, drama is one activity in which Daegan’s general LOUDNESS and exuberance is an asset. He projects his voice well.

The set and materials for these classes are quite minimal—the kids made much of their own costumes (Daegan designed his antennae out of an old headband, pipe cleaners and styrofoam balls)—but they created many of the effects of Alice in Wonderland in very clever ways. Here is Alice following the white rabbit down the rabbit hole:

 

Daegan watching the proceedings from the “wings” backstage:

The caterpillar’s entrance, on the “mushroom”. Daegan opted not to smoke the pipe—bad for one’s health, you know.

Daegan’s main role in the play was to explain to Alice that she could control her size. Here he is explaining that eating from one side of the mushroom would make her smaller, and the other side, make her taller:

Alice ate from the side of the mushroom that made her taller; to show this, she hopped up on the stool (only her legs are visible), and the caterpillar went down to the floor:

Then the caterpillar “spun a chrysalis, and changed into a beautiful butterfly.” Can’t say I recall that part of Alice, but it was great of the teacher to adapt the story to Daegan’s interests! Off he flew!

Getting ready for the Mad Hatter’s party:

Bowing before the King and Queen of Hearts:

The “off with her head!” scene followed, then a big chase and finally Alice waking up from her dream. The cast then took a bow (Daegan is not in the shot as he was off to the side flapping with excitement):

And probably my favourite pic of all, in which Gareth gave his brother a congratulatory hug, after telling him how much he enjoyed the play and his performance (“You were fantastic, Daegan!”). Awwwww!

Tomorrow I’ll post about Gareth’s performance.