Well, to use Michael Jackson’s term, ‘smash’ that is much greater than a hit, so we did ‘smash’ it at the Vaudeville show at Yantai Law University, in Shangdong, China….And you missed it.
No worries, that’s why we are here….To catch you up with the latest at BFTI.
First year law students go out with a bang!
In case you missed it, let me bring you up to speed. Under the direction of the Law school’s English faculty member, Enna Morgan, the students of Class 233-1 & 2, and 232-1 closed their semester out with a stunning theatre performance on January 10th, 2023, in the production entitled Vaudeville.
The event, attended by students, faculty members, and Director Wu Hongjun of International Cooperation and Exchange Office of Yantai University, Dean Song Zhenwu of Yantai Law School, and Professor Wang Shengli, was well received and enjoyed by all. The evening’s programme consisted of five skits which incorporated, music, dance, magic, and general merriment, all executed in English. This was the culmination of four weeks of theatre classes, and was complete with costumes, hair, props, and makeup, and even scored by the music student, Lu Yancheng. Not only were the entire cast students, but so was the crew, which consisted of select students, who performed all tasks, such as lights, sounds, and stage setting during the production.
Training both the cast and crew in every aspect of theatre performance and production since beginning the classes in October, 2023, English Instructor, Enna Morgan coached and directed the students in every aspect of theatre production, being herself a film and stage director and a SAG actress in the USA.
At the end of the production, at which time, she awarded the students well-deserved certificates in recognition of their diligence and dedication to the process. There was an air or joy, gratitude, quiet contentment, and a sense of pride for a job well done. And to that effect there was much praise received about the students’ performance.
Director Wu stated, “I did enjoy the wonderful performance. The students did a good job and showed very high level of English speaking and acting, which surprised me. I sure it will enhance their devotion to English learning. Thank you very much for your invitation and for what you have done for the students.”
Dean Song expressed similar sentiments regarding the performance and invitation, as did Professor Wang, who was quoted as saying, “Thanks Enna, I was impressed by what you have done for the students, you are a very good teacher. The students and me are very lucky to meet you.”
And the students? Well, amidst the beaming and blushing, they were quite thrilled to be a part of Y Theatre, and look forward to being back next semester to immerse themselves in another riveting production of English Performance.
To quote one student, Billy, who stumbled in a drunken fashion all across the stage during his performance of a train station’s drunken bum, “I am very happy in English class!” And Kiki, the ukulele player and singer, mirrored everyone’s sentiments when she excitedly exclaimed, “I am very happy tonight!”
The evening ended with a grand finale dance, to which the audience was invited to partake, and after much picture taking and congratulatory expressions, the curtain closed, the lights dimmed, and darkness enveloped the stage once again; then slowly, everyone retired to their abode, humming happy tunes after an evening gala at Y theatre.
There! Now you are all caught up with the happenings at Yantai Law University! Keep connected to learn more about the theatre classes, which run every Thursday, and about their upcoming productions.