
Gaelic pupils given a chance to improve and showcase their drama skills
Secondary and primary pupils from Skye and Lochalsh were given the chance recently to enhance their drama skills and to perform their own productions on stage as part of a Gaelic Drama Festival held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Sleat.
The festival was held this month at the college for Gaelic-speaking pupils. On 11-12 March pupils from every primary school in the area which offers Gaelic Medium Education were invited to SMO to learn about drama and to have the chance to showcase their own talents. Over fifty pupils from Primary 6 and 7 attended, and they represented: Sleat Primary School, Broadford Primary School, Dunvegan Primary School, Staffin Primary School, Portree Primary School, Kilmuir Primary School, Plockton Primary School and Loch Carron Primary School. Working with the children were drama tutors Arthur Donald, David Walker, Debbie MacKay and Angus MacLeod from Fèisean nan Gàidheal.
Last week on 20-21 March the second part of the festival was held for 30 pupils from Portree High School. Pupils again were tutored in various drama skills and then asked to produce and then perform their own work on stage.
Arthur Donald, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Drama Artist in Residence, said: “This was the first drama festival for primary and secondary schools to be held on Skye. There were 56 pupils accompanied by six teachers from eight primary schools taking part in the first part of the festival where they were involved in games, and learned about drama structures and performance skills. Then we had 30 secondary pupils from Portree High School who learnt new skills before putting on a public performance in the studio at Fàs. I think everyone enjoyed the festival and that they are already looking forward to the next one!”
Portree Primary Headteacher John Finlayson said: “The pupils had a fantastic time at the drama festival and it was a great opportunity for them to mix and work with their peers from other schools.”
The Drama Festival received financial support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig through their Gaelic Drama Network initiative.