(From The Oundelian, published June 2020)
The Stahl keeps on throwing up inspiration, but no-one would have expected the path the whole School play took, when told we would be putting on Sleeping Beauty this winter. Following Sweeney Todd last year, the prospect of constructing a more striking theatrical seemed impossible. However, Rufus Morris’ re-telling of the amorous, fate-driven fairytale gave this year’s loyal assembly a visual and emotional battle between light and dark, love and temptation.
"As always, it was both comforting and exhilarating to be in a play directed by Miss Jones"Izzy Prothero, Laxton
The themes throughout were thankfully elementary, despite the relationships appearing more complex. The story followed a curse on a princess, narrated by the fairy Goody who was blamed for it, and her struggle to put it right and achieve peace – perhaps the perfect ending. However, the narrative continued past the romantic ‘happily ever after,’ and into a world of puppetry and apparent cannibalism involving an ogress and an ogre.
The themes throughout were thankfully elementary, despite the relationships appearing more complex. The story followed a curse on a princess, narrated by the fairy Goody who was blamed for it, and her struggle to put it right and achieve peace – perhaps the perfect ending. However, the narrative continued past the romantic ‘happily ever after,’ and into a world of puppetry and apparent cannibalism involving an ogress and an ogre.
"I really do believe that the whole School plays are the glue that holds the Stahl together, both preparing Third formers for the bigger roles, and celebrating the growth of Sixth formers, who will soon be leaving the Stahl"Izzy Prothero, Laxton
As always, it was both comforting and exhilarating to be in a play directed by Miss Jones, and to be working with the same faces that have grown to represent a second family. I really do believe that the whole School plays are the glue that holds the Stahl together, both preparing Third formers for the bigger roles, and celebrating the growth of Sixth formers, who will soon be leaving the Stahl. This year’s play also felt extremely relevant, as the fear, love and self-sacrifice that Beauty gave to her children perfectly reflected both Miss Jones’ attitude towards the play itself (which there is no doubt she fretted over and doted upon!) but also her own, pressing pregnancy! In my opinion, the play as a whole once again showcased the talents the full range of talents of the whole Stahl company, and it was a pleasure and privilege to be involved.
