BINUS SCHOOL Simprug Grade 9 Brings Rashomon to Life in a Stellar Drama Performance
When a classic tale is brought to life on stage, magic happens. This was the case at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug’s Litfest 2024, where Grade 9 students captivated the audience with a theatrical adaptation of Rashomon, a renowned Japanese short story by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The performance was entertaining and an inspiring culmination of artistic creativity, academic learning, and teamwork.
Source : Envato
The Essence of Rashomon
Originally published in 1915, Rashomon is a gripping exploration of morality and survival set against the backdrop of a dilapidated gate in Kyoto. The narrative follows a servant who wrestles with tough ethical decisions in a world ravaged by chaos and despair. This timeless story is a deep dive into the complexities of human nature, examining themes of truth, perspective, and moral ambiguity.
BINUS SCHOOL Simprug’s Grade 9 students delved into these intricate themes, presenting a stage performance that stayed true to the story’s essence while offering their unique interpretations. Beyond acting, it was about understanding each character’s psychological and emotional layers and presenting them in a way that resonated deeply with the audience.
Bridging Realism with Performance
The Rashomon drama project tied seamlessly with the Grade 9 curriculum, specifically their study of realism in theatre. Under the guidance of their drama teacher, Mr Patrick, the students built upon their earlier experience of monologues inspired by Konstantin Stanislavski, the father of realism in drama.
This time, the focus shifted to adapting Rashomon, requiring students to apply their realism knowledge to portray authentic human emotions and conflicts on stage. Their task was no small feat—they analysed the 1950s black-and-white film adaptation of Rashomon and translated its intricate storytelling into a live theatrical format. The goal was to make the audience feel the weight of the story’s moral dilemmas and see the world through the eyes of its multifaceted characters.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort
Performing a piece as challenging as Rashomon required impeccable teamwork, and the Grade 9 students rose to the occasion. The cast and crew poured their hearts into the production, supported by the insightful guidance of Mr Patrick.
The students performed their roles precisely and worked together to ensure the technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, and stage design, aligned perfectly with the story’s mood. Their dedication resulted in a performance that wasn’t just visually stunning but also emotionally impactful.
In a heartfelt message, the students extended their gratitude for the support that made their performance a success. “We would like to thank our cast and amazing crew as well as Mr Patrick, who guided us through this assessment, and BINUS SCHOOL Simprug for this incredible opportunity,” shared Alexa, Dastan, and Maxene on behalf of the team.
This experience enriched their understanding of theatre and helped them develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression.
A Memorable Milestone
Rashomon’s Grade 9 drama performance at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug was more than just an assessment; it celebrated learning, creativity, and passion. By blending academic concepts with artistic expression, the students demonstrated the power of storytelling and its ability to connect, inspire, and challenge perceptions.
As the applause echoed through the auditorium, it was clear that the young performers had achieved something special. Through their portrayal of Rashomon, they didn’t just stage a play—they brought a classic story to life, leaving the audience with much to ponder about human nature and the many shades of truth.
This performance was a testament to the magic of theatre and the dedication of the BINUS SCHOOL Simprug community. Bravo, Grade 9—your Rashomon will be remembered as a masterpiece!
