From the 17th to the 27th of July, ten students from ACJC’s very own ACSian Theatre travelled to Vienna in order to represent Singapore in the 1st World Youth Theatre Festival. Hosted by WienXtra, the festival, themed “Right and Wrong”, aimed to promote and foster intercultural links between youth theatre companies the world over. Determined to prove that Singapore’s theatre standards were up to snuff, these students pounded away at their physical theatre adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, working long into the night to achieve nothing less than perfection. And perfection was what they brought to the stage in Vienna, receiving thunderous applause and numerous catcalls from the audience as their performance drew to a close.

Aside from their own performance, all the participants in the festival had to work with each other to devise yet another piece to perform in Vienna’s Museums Quartier district. Separated from the people they were so accustomed to working with and faced with a daunting task to complete in only seven days, the ACSian Theatre performers nevertheless took what they had, and together with the other thespians, gave the Viennese public a night to remember. Despite being hindered by the language barrier, the participants gave it their all, and clearly displayed the sheer amount of talent they possess, proving that theatre truly is the universal language.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and aside from gaining invaluable experience about theatre around the world, the students forged invaluable friendships that transcended cultural differences and borders. The ensemble would like to thank their directors, Mrs Geetha Creffield and Ms Michelle Wong, for their guidance and support, and we aspire to bring ACSian Theatre further acclaim.

Bryant Chan
1AA5