IGCSE English Trip - ‘Things Fall Apart’

Theater has a unique ability to breathe life into literature, transforming written words into a vivid, sensory experience. On Thursday, 28th November, the Year 10 and 11 students were fortunate to witness this magic firsthand as they attended a theatrical adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, brought to life by the talented team at Braeside Lavington.

Below are two students' reflections on their experience which showcase their impressive ability to engage critically and thoughtfully with literature brought to life on stage. Their writings demonstrate a mature balance of praise, appreciation, and constructive critique, reflecting both their understanding of the themes explored in the play and their growing confidence as literary analysts. Well done Jisu Sue - Y10 and Theodore Kalilombe - Y11

By Judy Macharia

HOF English

The drums beat, the flutes sang and almost immediately we were thrust into the timeless story of Things Fall Apart. The tale of Okonkwo and the tussle of ideals in Igbo tribes upon the arrival of missionaries was riveting to see on stage and nothing short of astounding.

Primarily, I would like to acknowledge the dexterity of the theatre department in Braeside to single handedly produce a play from scratch without a published script. The dedication and passion was reflected on the stage with every expression on the actor's faces evoking a plethora of emotions and depicting the depth of each character. They pulled us into the world from beginning to end and didn't let us go. The ensemble dancers truly ingrained a profound cultural atmosphere with every step, every move and every lyric sung.

Another area where the play shone in was the atmosphere created, the simple but symbolic set gave a presence to the stage for the entire show, painting Umuofia in a clear and creative light. Each character embodied a unique archetype through their clothing, posture and demeanor which gave a culturally poignant atmosphere throughout.

As an IGCSE Drama student with an insurmountable love for theatre, I came with an open mind. Not only to revise a tale for my literature class but for my own theatrical pleasure. The beginning was strong and they delivered the excellence that was promised at the beginning.

However, theatre can never be perfect though, so as I ask around and reflect I offer these mild criticisms. The length of the play would benefit a lot from an interval to not only give the actor's time to rest, but to let the audience ponder the content even more. Additionally from a technical standpoint the show would be elevated another level if the curtains would be used more sparingly. My peers disclosed that there were moments where the magic of the play dwindled because of the constant veil drawn upon Umuofia. Lastly, certain scenes could have been touched on further and with more care, because with such buildup certain moments left me wanting more towards the end. These key moments in the book could have had more time dedicated but it didn't take away from what was achieved on the stage.

What I saw was still magical, these are just personal thoughts to elevate the show further which I'm sure could have been done with such a talented cast

Overall it was well worth the anticipation to see the beloved tale that we are studying for literature to be depicted in such a skillful manner despite the hurdles undergone to achieve it. My utmost applause to Braeside for what they achieved.

-Theodore Kalilombe

On Thursday, 28th November, the students of Year 10 and 11 embarked on an unforgettable literary journey, attending a theatrical adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s celebrated work, ‘Things Fall Apart’. Hosted by Braeside Lavington, a production that brought to life the vivid world of Okonkwo and his community – a world previously experienced solely through written words. Through exceptional acting, meticulously crafted scripts, and stunning choreography enhanced by enthusiastic singing, the students witnessed a captivating portrayal of a book studied in their English IGCSE syllabus, presented in a manner both profound and electrifying.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the stage came alive, the audience was transported to the heart of Umuofia, where they followed the intriguing story of the Igbo warrior Okonkwo from the comfort of their seats. Poignant themes, such as the devastating impacts of colonialism, the clash between culture and religion, and the compromise of integrity due to societal expectations, were portrayed with an intensity that left many spellbound. As the complex themes of the original novel were woven seamlessly into the dialogue and action, it allowed even those unfamiliar with the book to grasp its significance.

The high standard of acting was evident in every line delivered, and the actors, all of whom were students, demonstrated a depth of understanding and resonance in their characters that left a lasting impact on the audience. Adding to the brilliance of the performance were the musical interludes accompanied by traditional dances. Gentle melodies played live on the flute, infused the play with sentimental authenticity, amplifying its emotional weight. The talent and dedication of the cast were further demonstrated through the energetic choreography, which captured the essence of the novel’s cultural richness.

The cast’s energy and passion were infectious, and their commitment to their roles was evident in every scene. By the play’s conclusion, the waves of applause were a testament to the performers’ hard work and the production team’s consistent attention to detail. This event not only reinforced the students’ understanding of their IGCSE syllabus but also left an indelible mark on their appreciation for literature and the arts. The Year 10 and 11 students extend their heartfelt gratitude to Braeside Lavington for hosting such a phenomenal production. It was a morning that truly celebrated the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of Achebe’s work.

Jisu Sue - Year 10.