During the recent visit to The Dewey Schools, representatives from Mount Vernon School (MVS) expressed particular praise for the “Performing Arts” class of 11Sedona. What made this lesson stand out to the representative of MVS? TDSers of 11Sedona delivered a compelling answer through their outstanding performance of the English play “Pirates and Monsters”, adapted from the work of the same name by author Jelena Spaic.
With exceptional acting skills, the members of 11Sedona guided the audience through a range of emotions, from bursts of laughter to deep reflections on the value of knowledge. TDSers successfully recreated the adventurous and dramatic atmosphere of the pirate crew. All of the set design, costumes, and sound effects were conceptualized, designed, and produced by the 11Sedona students themselves.
Phuc Hung (11Sedona) shared that the team spent over a month rehearsing and preparing for this play. To portray the pride and authority of the captain, Phuc Hung had to practice extensively, focusing on facial expressions, demeanor, and breath control techniques to project a strong, resonant voice. Despite suffering a shoulder injury right before the performance, which made it difficult to move his arm, he still delivered an outstanding performance. Minh Ngoc (11Sedona) mentioned that besides honing the acting skills, memorizing lines and rehearsing also helped the members improve the English reflexes and foster teamwork. The success of the play was the result of the team’s continuous efforts and seamless collaboration.
”Pirates and Monsters” tells the story of a fierce battle between a band of ruthless pirates and a cunning, cruel monster. Through this symbolic confrontation, the play emphasizes the importance of education in life. The pirates, who seemed to rely solely on brute strength, embarked on a challenging journey to defeat the monster. The surprising twist is that they did not win through force but with the help of a clever child. The child helped them realize that true strength does not lie in muscles or weapons, but in intellect and clear thinking. Schools are the place where this power is unlocked. In the end, the pirates and the monster, once enemies, became friends, standing side by side on a journey to explore and conquer new realms of knowledge.
As a teacher who accompanied the TDSers of 11Sedona throughout their rehearsal and performance process, Mr. Daniel was deeply moved to see his students shine: “They have always given their best and shown great enthusiasm. 90% of the students in the class had no prior experience in performing, especially in a second language. My role is to push them beyond their limits, and discover talents and strengths within themselves that they didn’t believe they had. During rehearsals, I frequently grouped students with varying skill levels together, with the more capable students acting as directors, supporting the other members of the team. I am proud that they have always listened, applied their acting and performing skills creatively and flexibly, and weren’t afraid to express their individual personalities on stage.”
For the 11Sedona TDSers, knowledge doesn’t just come from books; it is nurtured through experiences, through rising after failures, and through the courage to overcome themselves. These lessons will be invaluable tools, helping them grow stronger and more resilient on their journey to “beyond the blueprint, mapping your own way,” confidently asserting their identity as TDSers.
