My Unforgettable Experience at ISTA TaPS Singapore 2023

In early October, a small group of 9 individuals from the Overseas School of Colombo including myself, set off on a journey to Dulwich College in Singapore to engage in various theater workshops.

As an IB DP Theatre student, my journey at ISTA TaPS Perspectives in Singapore was nothing short of extraordinary. This unique program provided me with the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of theatre under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Let me share my experiences and insights from this enriching experience.

Meeting the Specialists

The heart of TaPS lies in its collaboration with theatre experts. We had the privilege of working closely with four outstanding professionals, each specializing in a distinct aspect of theatre:

Original Theatre Creation with Shanice Stanislaus: Shanice Stanislaus, the creative genius from Creatives Inspirit, led us in collaboratively creating original theatre pieces. Her passion and vision for storytelling were truly inspiring.

Staging Play Texts with Jeffrey Tan: Jeffrey Tan, from Theatre Today, guided us through the intricacies of bringing scripted plays to life. His expertise elevated our understanding of the classics.

Exploring World Theatre Traditions with Benjamin Tardif: Benjamin Tardif delved into the world of Khon Theatre, introducing us to its rich traditions. His cross-cultural perspective broadened our horizons.

Performing Theatre Theory with Gey Pin Ang: Gey Pin Ang, of Sourcing Within, delved deep into the theories of Grotowski and Thomas Richards. The academic approach added a new dimension to our practical knowledge.

Working alongside IB theatre students from different schools made this journey even more enriching. We had the privilege of attending workshops led by an IB DP Theatre specialist, helping us connect the dots between theory and practice.

Cultural Immersion

What sets TaPS apart is its engagement with the local cultural ecology. The program sources specialist artists from the places it’s held, allowing us to contribute to and learn from the vibrant theatre scene of the host city. This cultural immersion was a unique and enriching aspect of the experience.

Real-Life Application

One of the primary goals of ISTA TaPS Perspectives is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It offers a glimpse of how the IB DP Theatre syllabus is applied in real-life, current theatre scenarios. This acted as a launchpad for our own explorations back in our respective schools, where we could apply our newfound knowledge.

Specialist Workshop

In addition to the main sessions, we participated in a specialist workshop led by Kristina Pakhomova from Bold Moments, focusing on Viewpoints. This workshop deepened our understanding of a specific aspect of theatre, providing us with a unique perspective that we could bring into our own creative projects.

Theatre Performances

As if this wasn’t enough, we had the privilege of attending two professional theatre performances during the program. On Friday, we were treated to “Romeo & Juliet” performed by Action to the Word from the United Kingdom, a dynamic and electrifying adaptation of a classic. On Saturday, we witnessed a Contemporary Khon solo performance by Benjamin Tardif himself, showcasing his fusion of Western and Eastern influences in the world of dance and music.

In summary, ISTA Taps Perspectives in Singapore was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my journey as a theater student. The opportunity to learn from experts, immerse in the local theater scene, and witness professional performances was nothing short of magical. I returned to my school with a renewed passion for theater and a new perspective on life.

(New friends at Ista taps 2023)

works cited:

“Singapore TaPS Perspectives – ISTA.” ISTA, 30 Aug. 2023, ista.co.uk/event/singapore-taps-perspectives/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2023.

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