Gaelic pupils given a chance to improve and showcase their drama skills

Secondary and primary school 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, organised by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI and held at Aros, Portree.

The festival was held at the centre last week for Gaelic-speaking pupils and the first two days saw the primary schools in attendance.  Most of the primary schools in the area which offer Gaelic Medium Education came along to the event, where they got the opportunity to learn about drama and had the chance to showcase their own talents.  Over sixty pupils from Primary 6 and 7 attended, and they represented: Sleat Primary School, Broadford Primary School, Dunvegan Primary School and Portree Primary School.  Through the workshops, they were able to produce their own stories and then make cartoons out of them.

Working with the children were drama tutors Arthur Donald, David Walker, Debbie MacKay and Angus MacLeod from Fèisean nan Gàidheal.  Alannah Beaton, who is a student at the moment with a passion for drama, was also present and got some hands on experience with the workshops.  And the cartoons were created by Dave Smith.

Also, on the 6 and 7 March, 40 pupils from Portree High School came together and were again 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 second drama festival for primary and secondary schools to be held on Skye and I’m delighted that it was a success again.  Our aim is to develop the festival this year and go out to the schools to undertake workshops with them and to give them a chance to come together also.  Due to high demand, we will be holding 2 more days at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig later in the year.”

Rosie Harrison from the Aros Centre, said: “We were very pleased to welcome Féis Drama back to Aros as their emphasis on inclusivity and involving the community aligns with the ethos of our centre.  Arthur Donald encouraged lots of schools to attend and all the children seemed to really enjoy developing their skills.”  

The Drama Festival received financial support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig through their Gaelic Drama Network initiative.