Taking place on 21 and 22 January, the festival will see young performers present versions of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays in a theatre setting. Organised by St George’s International School, the event aims to make Shakespeare accessible, engaging and enjoyable for students through live performance.
Festival Director Clare Williams, Head of the Arts Faculty at St George’s, said performing in a professional venue was a key part of the experience. She explained that working with professional technicians and performing for a paying audience gives students valuable insight into the realities of theatre beyond the classroom.
Around 60 students from St George’s will take part, alongside performers from International School Michel Lucius in Luxembourg, Danes Hill School in the UK, and Pascal Private School in Cyprus. At St George’s, Shakespeare is introduced through drama from Year 8, with an emphasis on storytelling and character before language, helping students build confidence well before GCSE level.
St George’s Principal Zeba Clarke said performance was one of the most effective ways to engage young people with Shakespeare’s work, praising the students’ interpretations as “vivid, fun, and engaging”.
The festival will be adjudicated by British actor and Shakespeare specialist Kieran Donnelly, who will offer feedback to the students and lead a group warm-up at the start of the event.
Audiences can expect three short plays each evening, combining Shakespearean language with contemporary music. Tickets cost €7 and are available for both performance nights, more information here.
