Lichfield-born writer and performer goes back to school to engage pupils in drama
Multi award-winning writer and performer Katie Arnstein went back to her former school in a bid to inspire pupils to write and perform on stage.
Lichfield-born Katie enlisted the help of her former drama teacher, Richard Hughes, at Friary School, to engage 13 GCSE and Sixth Form students in a project to write and perform monologues as part of her role as a Lichfield Festival Associate Artist.
The project was one of two inspired by the music of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (played at the Festival’s first night concert earlier this month) as part of Lichfield Festival’s ASPIRE! Learning and Participation programme.
The highs and lows of lockdown, disastrous holidays and sports day chaos, to walking home alone at night, were among the unique perspectives from young voices, woven into a compelling showcase of emerging local talent.
Arnstein, who performed her own monologue Homebird during the Festival, was highly commended at the Women of the Future Awards 2023 and is Offie Nominated. Her first television commission Wolverine Woman was broadcast on BBC Three last year.
Following 10 workshops led by Katie as well as sessions from visiting facilitators, the students shared The Friary Seasons at the Hub at St Mary’s as part of Lichfield Festival.
Katie said, "It's been such a privilege to come back to The Friary and work with these incredible students. Not only have they completely blown me away with their talent and creativity but also their teamwork, collaboration and positivity. Their self-penned monologues are a showcase of comedy, poetry, drama, honesty and warmth from these brilliant young people."
A second project saw 280 children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Cannock), Jerome Primary School (Norton Canes) and The John Bamford Primary School (Rugeley) create music and art in response to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
Musicians introduced and played Vivaldi’s masterpiece in school assemblies before the youngest pupils set to work producing art and illustrations as a creative response to how the seasons made them feel.
Meanwhile, Year 5 & 6 pupils wrote musical compositions with the help of composer, cellist and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, Millicent James who has worked with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.
The classes created soundscapes, pieces of spoken word and storyboarded their seasons, which Millicent brought to life on the cello and went on to use as inspiration for four brand new pieces of music for a string quartet. The groups gathered for a private performance of the new Seasons at Lichfield Cathedral where the artwork was displayed on screens throughout the Festival’s 11 days.
Project facilitator Emily Summers, Bostin’ Creative Arts & Theatre, said “The workshops explored the sights, sounds, smells and feelings associated with the Four Seasons. Our workshop days were packed full of fabulous ideas and creativity. Most poignantly, the project has reflected upon the power of music to tell stories, create an atmosphere and make us feel something.”
Lichfield Festival expresses its thanks to supporters of its ASPIRE! Programme, including public funding by Arts Council England, Lichfield District Council, and its Major Festival Partners McArthurGlen West Midlands, Pegasus Homes and Roxane UK (Aqua Pura).
The Festival is encouraging schools to get involved with future projects by joining its Schools Network. Click here for more information.
