On Wednesday 11th October, Drama students from Year 10-13 went to see an adaptation of Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis” at York Theatre Royal. 

This is in preparation for writing about live theatre which is a part of both GCSE and A Level examinations. Theatre trips are a great way of inspiring students in the possibility of theatre, and this version, adapted by renowned poet Lemn Sissay OBE and presented by popular physical theatre company Frantic Assembly, was a great example. The play included creative use of choreography and set to present the tale of a man who turns into a large insect and is then ostracised by his own family. 

The story speaks to a modern audience about the pressures placed on all of us to live, thrive and survive in a world where your value seems determined almost exclusively by the money in your wallet, and how quickly circumstances can change when any of us fail to match up to the expectations of family and society.

Here are two reviews from our Drama students: 

“I really enjoyed it! It wasn’t your typical play but had some great ideas about mental health – this is very topical because so many of us are more aware of these issues. I also loved the physical theatre!” – Annabel in Year 12

“It’s very different from other plays – a strange topic! Frantic Assembly always put on a great show for the audience though – the physical theatre showing the transformation of the characters was very effective!” – Charlotte in Year 13 

Mr S Besford, Foundation Director of Drama