By Ji Lina
The large-scale stage play The Oriental Arc, a newly created play based on the story of Jewish refugees fleeing to Shanghai during the Second World War, is now under busy rehearsal and planned to be staged in early Sept. The play drew special attention of the public due to its cast wholly consisting of freshmen in senior high schools around Hongkou District.
Despite difficulties like scorching weather, limited time and staff shortage, the crew of The Oriental Arc started intensive training and rehearsal in late Jul. in Shanghai Nanhu Vocational School. 40-odd students selected around the district put their full summer vacation in getting all-round training in singing, dancing and performing. In addition to playing their roles, these students shouldered stage manager’s jobs at the same time, such as costume, stage property, poster design and publicity, but their outstanding performance still won the approval of professionals.
The education bureau of the district believed the stage play presented by students would launch a valuable innovative practice of art education, as they’re trying to change the teaching model of senior high school art class by encouraging talented, interested and determined students to seize any opportunity of showing their talents, polishing their taste of art and arousing their artistic creativity.