Project info
Operator: Association of Friends of Grammar School Education in Haldensleben e.V.
founded in 2011
59 members (2024)
Contact persons: Kerstin Frenzel, Board of Directors and Kristin Große, project manager and theater educator
Location: Haldensleben, Germany
Project: Theater project “Lost in Paradise”
Our funding:
Contribution to the costs of this project in the amount of 2230 €
Funding period: First half-year 2024
The theater group “The Shadows in the Light” is aimed at students in 5th to 9th grade at the Professor-Friedrich-Förster Gymnasium (PFFG) and meets weekly on Thursday afternoons under the direction of theater educator Kristin Große. There are also more rehearsals in the final phase. The group currently consists of 13 actors and three technical supervisors.
The play “Lost in Paradise”, a computer game version of “Lord of the Flies”, was rehearsed.
The project operator
The school’s booster club supports the PFFG in all areas in which the Börde district school board is unable to provide funding. In order to enable the preparations for the theater group, the first expenses are pre-financed by the income from membership fees and reserves.
At the Professor-Friedrich-Förster-Gymnasium, the Humboldtian educational ideal characterizes the pedagogical orientation and everyday school life. In addition to an in-depth general education, special emphasis is placed on cultural experiences through theater, concerts, visits and art projects. A solid knowledge base, theoretical and practical skills and individual development opportunities prepare pupils for their future careers. The aim is to form mature adults who are capable of studying, who are encouraged and intellectually challenged in an open, cooperative learning culture.
Theater project “Lost in Paradise”
The theater group worked on the play “Lost in Paradise”, a computer game version of “Lord of the Flies”. In it, children were stranded on a desert island after a plane crash and had to fight for survival. Groups were formed, there was bullying, conflicts and the question of how to live well together.
The players took their cue from the literary original and also contributed their own ideas. The play offered the audience three different endings, which the pupils had developed themselves, and actively involved the audience in the plot.
The topic of children’s rights played a central role, as did democracy. The children chose a leader who fought for survival but was hindered by quarrels and violence. Bullying was also addressed in order to set an example against it.
The play was performed on May 28, May 30 and May 31, 2024, with two morning performances for 6th and 7th graders and two evening performances. The theater production was aimed at children aged 10 and up and emphasized the importance of democracy.
The art department designed the stage set: the auditorium became a jungle, pallet furniture from Year 10 and black light flowers from Year 5 added to the ambience. Year 12 designed posters as advertising material for the school and town.
(On this evening) the cooperation of many pupils of the school in the realization of the play, the design of the stage set, the support with flyers and photos as well as the catering finds a unique climax.
Visitor of an evening performance
Why we are committed to the project
The central themes of “democratic processes and children’s rights” were particularly convincing in this project. These values not only reflect the relevance for our society today, but also give the young participants the opportunity to actively and reflectively deal with important social issues.
What also impressed us was the cross-grade and cross-curricular approach, which enabled the pupils to contribute their own ideas and talents. The children and young people’s own involvement made the project a lively learning process that encouraged creativity, a sense of responsibility and cooperation.
Outlook
We were very happy to support this theater project and are delighted with the successful performances, the courage of the young actors and the creativity of those involved in technology, stage design and advertising posters.
