PS8 Fourth Graders visit The Lion King
Story by Noelle Gentile, PS 8 drama teacher
With the assistance of the school, the P.T.A and Disney's educational outreach program, PS 8 fourth graders traveled uptown to see the Broadway musical, The Lion King last week. The play, which is based on an African folktale, offered many links to the fourth grade curriculum.
Students are consistently asked at school to be members of a group working towards a common goal. During this experience students were able to witness collaboration in the outside world first hand; theater being a truly collaborative art form. During the question and answer period, students met not only the performers, but also the stage manager, the costume manager, and make-up artists. All of whom bring their unique skill sets in order to realize a common vision. They saw the world behind the magic.
Back at P.S. 8, the story of the Lion King sparked conversations on many of the issues that our society faces today. Students built a bridge from the story so beautifully woven on stage to their own lives. The Lion King addresses the main character, Simba's journey as an individual and his journey as a member of the larger world. The message was not lost on the savvy fourth graders of P.S. 8. The students left feeling empowered by the idea that there are many ways to make positive changes in ourselves and the world around us, the experience of seeing a message told through live theater is just another arena in which students can explore sharing their thoughts and ideas; whether it be as a playwright, a set designer, a director or a performer.
It was a wonderful experience that we hope to make a tradition. And it underscores the ways in which our unique combination of school curriculum and enrichment classes based in the fabulous cultural institutions right here in Brooklyn and New York City at large link the arts to learning and significant debates of the day.
Posted on: February 6, 2008
