Lights, camera and action for the learners of Michael Mount

It is not too often witnessing a great rendition of an all-time classic novel performed by young individuals being done well.

For the Grade 8 learners of Michael Mount Waldorf School, successfully achieved that level of greatness while paying homage to author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s creation, Anne of the Green Gables.

As part of the school’s tradition and curriculum, the Grade 8 play has been a big stepping stone for the learners to easily adapt to high school by allowing them to think critically and creatively as a whole.

Marketing and communications director of the school Christina Seuffert said, “The play gives learners a unique, exciting opportunity to develop skills, learn to work together and grow.”

The play, which was performed in front of a live audience on September 1, follows a young, bright orphan girl named Anne Shirley who heads out to live with her new family, the Cuthberts, from Green Gables. Her journey of adapting to the new environment shows the importance of diversity, unity and not conforming to the norms of society – a great source of inspiration for teenagers.

With the vision of two Grade 8 teachers, Janay Glass and Mandy Futter, the production was creative, to say the least – from seeing the narrator and Anne break the fourth wall in one of the scenes to a well-performed version of Beethoven’s song, Für Elise, in between the transitions of scenes. The show had a lot to offer, not to mention the great work of the backstage and lighting team during the course of the session.

“I have been the teacher of these amazing learners since Grade 1 and to see their growth and confidence, especially on the stage, has been a beautiful sight for me. The drama element of the curriculum is there to help them to grow as human beings. If you can perform in front of people, you can take on the world,” concluded Glass.