Performing Arts Exchange with CIS in HK

Last week, BBSG was thrilled to welcome a special group of visitors from Chinese International School (CIS) in Hong Kong. The talented students from CIS's theatre company took centre stage at BBSG Theatre, treating our Junior Secondary students to two days of captivating performances and engaging workshops.

With a rich history spanning 40 years, CIS offers an innovative bilingual education and intercultural programme that is unique and widely recognised in Hong Kong and beyond. Both CIS and BBSG incorporate theatre (drama) education starting from the first grade, providing students with a comprehensive theatrical learning experience that encompasses acting, creative expression, directing, behind-the-scenes production and more.

A Touch of Hong Kong History on the BBSG Stage

The production "Walled Memories" was created, directed, and performed by the CIS theatre company. Transporting the audience back to the 1980s, the story delved deep into the intriguing world of Kowloon Walled City. Known as a notoriously "lawless land," it was a place shrouded in darkness and plagued by crime. However, we also witnessed the resilience of community bonds and the positive spirit of the people in Hong Kong during this time.

The 30-minute production blended realistic sets with a diverse cast of characters, complemented by sound and music presentations. Incorporating archival footage from 1980s Hong Kong, it fully immersed the audience in the rich and varied history of the era. The inclusion of popular Cantonese songs and dialogues brought smiles to the faces of the BBSG audience, who share the same dialect and cultural heritage in the Greater Bay Area.

Ms. Alison Wong, Head of Secondary Arts at CIS, shared a behind-the-scenes story with us. “This was actually a student-led production from our Annual Arts Week. This particular group of students wanted to explore themes of nostalgia and present something related to Hong Kong at BBSG, ” she explained.

“I’m really proud of their performances. They've done a lot of foundational work, which made today’s experience so enjoyable. Most importantly, they spent a lot of time together and built very strong trust within the team. And that’s invaluable as a soft skill for teamwork, ” she added.

Performing Arts Workshop

Understand, Perform and Become Your Character

At the start of the performance, CIS students shared their insights with the BBSG audience in fluent Chinese and English. Did you know that this play was crafted without a written script? Each student infused their research on Hong Kong's local culture and history into their roles, all within one week. Some even drew from their own family memories, incorporating personal props from their homes to add an authentic touch to their performances.

The camera in the production was a real antique

The saying “You don’t notice good acting, you just believe it” resonated deeply with the BBSG students, who had recently concluded their theatre production. Students from both schools came together for an improvisational workshop, collaborating in groups to master the art of embodying characters and learning from one another.

Warm-up Exercise: Students start the day by practicing their focus, movements, and expressions

Crafting a scene involves meticulous attention to detail: Remember, every subtle facial expression, the way you walk, and your engagement with the audience are all integral parts of a performance

CIS actors and actresses shared their journey in theatre courses: 

"Theatre taught me to step out of my comfort zone and be confident enough to show a different side of myself. All these experiences contribute to who I am."

—— Amy H

"Theatre gives you a chance to be someone you're not. We take the risk to be someone else, act to make people happy, to make people laugh, and to make people feel various emotions. I really enjoy this connection with the audience."

——Maxwell J

In the AI era, the significance of theatre education has become even more pronounced. It nurtures students' appreciation for art, aesthetics, immersive storytelling, and teamwork—skills that are essential and cannot be replicated by AI. As Ms. Alison Wong observed, “So much can be accomplished through AI, but what it cannot replicate is the immediacy of this performance—every moment is unique, each performance is different, and that’s the magic of theatre. ”

"This event plays a pivotal role in key educational exchanges within the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Hong Kong students showcased their rich history and culture, while their peers from Guangzhou gained valuable insights into Hong Kong's unique development. This interaction deepened their understanding of the commonalities between the two cities. Such exchanges are instrumental in fostering communication and promoting integration among students across the GBA.

 

It also marks the inception of ongoing exchange and learning initiatives between CIS and BBSG. We are excited about developing additional opportunities for students and teachers to mutually learn and grow, benefiting more students within the Greater Bay Area.

 

Moving forward, BBSG is committed to broadening its exchange programs with leading international schools in the Greater Bay Area as well as universities in Hong Kong, the US, and the UK to equip our students with the diverse skills and global perspectives necessary to be Future World Ready."

—— Ms. Louisa Shen, 

BBSG Chinese Principal