Against hundreds of entrants from across the country, the Year 10 girls’ piece entitled ‘Genesis/Exodus’ has placed in the top ten for the performing category in the prestigious national competition.
Their piece of documentary theatre explores the lives of displaced persons and the perception of media, politicians and the public on this subject. Asking the question ‘what is a refugee?’, it explores lives before displacement, during war, journeying to a new place and arriving in refugee camps.
Young actress, Ezgi Aldemir said: “There is so much political tension surrounding the refugee crisis at the moment. Many people see refugees as a number on the television and we felt inspired to create a piece that highlights their plight as real people with real stories. It is lovely to have our work recognised by Amnesty International and we are really looking forward to continue spreading awareness about this important issue.”
The 11-strong group produced the piece for their Year 10 devised performance.
The group consists of Ezgi Aldemir, Renee Li, Lucia Marsh, Lucy Peek (not pictured), Kitty Piccin-White, Laura Freiberger (not pictured), Ina Schacker, Rosie Smart-Knight, Georgiana Tregunna, Emily Williams and Mara Wendt-Thorne.
Short-term international boarder Mara Wendt-Thorne will be making a particularly special journey if the girls succeed. Having resumed her place at her school in Germany, she plans to make a flying visit for the performance if the girls reach the competition final.
Head of Drama, Mr Ian Tutin said: “We are extremely proud of the students for all of their hard work and research in preparation for the performance. With so much focus on “academic achievement” the arts can be forgotten and neglected. Here at Truro High, we support, promote and encourage the arts. To do so is essential for the healthy, balanced development, stability, wellbeing and enjoyment.”
The Amnesty Youth Awards are an annual competition and educational opportunity, which celebrate young people’s engagement with human rights.
The organisation’s awards for young reporters, performers, photographers, reporters, campaigners, fundraisers and poets is now in its fifth year.
If the girls are selected as one of three finalists in their category, they will have the opportunity to show their work to a panel of expert judges at an awards ceremony in London. The indie-rock band Kaiser Chiefs will be on the performance category judging panel.
