By: Natasya Rutdian Lomi of 12 IPS 4
Kyle Deguzman defines drama as an intricately engaging aspect of human expression that expertly weaves together storylines via dramatic performances, eliciting a wide range of emotions and profound thoughts. It is an astonishing convergence where the beauty of the written word perfectly merges with the dynamic creativity of physical portrayal, bringing life into stories that resound on both the vast stages and the silver screen (“What is Drama”, January 21, 2024).
Drama for Syuradikara High School has been a yearly evaluation for the 12th-grade English practical exam. In 2024, this activity took place from March 18 to March 21 by decorating the classroom as the stage for the performance. Each class was divided into two groups, each determining their play. On this occasion, students are encouraged to be creative and resourceful in executing their play. This composition will review the positive impacts and challenges of drama performance, which the author experienced as a Grade 12 student.
The advantages that the author gets are, firstly, practicing writing drama scripts and becoming a director. The teacher gave the students two choices: finding and using other writers' drama scripts or writing their drama scripts. After much consideration, our group decided it was best to compose it, and they entrusted me with drafting and directing the script.
As a composer, i was inspired by a renowned Portuguese classical book called The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho. One part of the story was about a shopkeeper who sends his son searching for the secret to happiness. The shopkeeper's son later ran into a wise man, who suggested that the boy wander around the palace while holding a spoon with drops of oil, not allowing the oil to spill. The boy did exactly that, but he was too concerned about not spilling the oil and did not look around the palace. The boy did it twice and returned without the oil on the spoon. Then, the wise man only told the boy, "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels in the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon."
Another proverb that could illustrate this message is that One must not be so focused on the ocean's depth that one forgets the shore's beauty. In this story, the author thought that loving something beautiful is ordinary and loving something ordinary is gorgeous because often, some things we have experienced but never perceived before. We have not perceived it because we have grown accustomed to it.
Secondly, I learn to collaborate. As an author and director, I expect the audience to understand and receive the moral story well. Therefore, the team proceeded with days of rehearsals just a week before the D-Day. Even though it could've been better if they had begun the rehearsal weeks before, the plan was postponed due to the twelfth grade's retreat agenda. The writer delegated some members to make the props to take a step further. Personally, the writer's group only needed one property to make; the other properties we borrowed, making the most of what was at their disposal, including the costumes.
However, as a group leader, it was a big challenge to bring a group of seventeen together. The first few days of rehearsal could have been more efficient regarding quality and time usage. Only a quarter of the group seemed punctual and paid attention while they proceeded with the rehearsal. For only one person to be in charge of the group is a challenge. The team leader must, by all means, bring the group to work as a whole. That is a skill needed in a team leader. This project can be challenging but could also be a medium to unite group members through the restless nights of rehearsals.
To sum up, drama practice exams benefit students in expressing themselves and shaping character. Although there are challenges during the rehearsal process, the challenges mature one into a better person, as we know that a diamond was made under pressure.
Editor: Fr. Aris Mada, SVD