The task of preparing a House entry for the Creative Arts Competition is always an awesome one.  In just 8 short weeks and with a paltry budget of 200 Sfr a House, the “lucky” director has to produce a mini-play of 20 minutes duration on a given theme.

This year the event was held on Friday 16^th of March in the School Hall. The themes were Atalanta – the 1960s, Diana – the 1920’s and Minerva – the 1940’s.  The lucky directors in question were Kirstin O’Neill of Atalanta House, Gail Tonkin of Diana House and Cédrine Wettengel of Minerva House.  The lot of the director is not an easy one, as I am sure Kirstin, Gail and Cédrine would agree but the rewards, from seeing your work on the silver screen or at least on the St. George’s stage, are enormous.

In the 20 minutes allotted to them the director must include in her mini-play music, dancing, 2 pieces of French Poetry and 2 pieces of English Poetry and must involve as many people from the House as possible.  Costumes, make-up, props etc are expected to complement the witty and engaging dialogue. 

Help from teachers, tutors or others in general is not permitted but plenty of help comes the director's way from classmates and housemates alike.  Particular thanks to Annabel and Angela for all their help in making Atalanta’s production work so well and to Liz, Iyabode and Catherine who were Gail’s right hand women.  Last but not least, thanks to Linus and all his helpers in Minerva for supporting Cédrine each step of the way.

The 3 performances on the evening of the 16^th of March were excellent.  Each one so different from the others reflecting the diversity of talent in the Houses.  It seemed an impossible task to decide between them. Each House could have been commended for many things … Minerva for their novel use of trapdoors and excellent army uniforms, Atalanta for their “moon-walk” and their series of 1960’s adverts and Diana for their debonair compere André and their dancing of the Charleston. To select one winner on such an evening is an excessively difficult task as the judges Mrs Zund, Miss McHugh, Miss Byng, and Mrs Baerfuss found out.

But select a winner they did!  This year the Creative Arts Cup went to  …  Atalanta House for their portrayal of the 1960's.  Congratulations to Kirstin and her team!!