|
 Hereford Cathedral School student Archie MacLeod’s long-awaited brain-child, The Helliad, had its world premiere recently (13th July) in the school’s Powell Theatre.
From the moment the curtain went up the large audience, for the Cathedral School production, was transported into the gripping tale of lost love and bloody battles.
With dialogue devised by the cast and directors, a toe-tapping original score by student composer Pat Dunachie, sparkingly witty lyrics by Old Herefordian Ed Fletcher and a hugely talented cast of current and past pupils the original production – the latest in a long line of successful plays by the school - lived up to its billing and not only delivered a great night out, but also a sophisticated and thought-provoking historical lesson of Helen’s disappearance and the Trojan War.
Student Emily Burdett doubled up her roles, shining as the brilliant young warrior Patroclus and the crazy prophetess Cassandra. Her star quality been matched by fellow pupil Nik Deiwiks, who spanned the age range, captivating the audience with his portrayal of hero Achilles and the comedy old King Priam. Both thrived with the improvisational script.
Siobhan de Souza, Hereford Cathedral School’s Head of Classics said:
“The Helliad plumbed the comic depths and scaled the heights of pathos with a subtlety of approach which handled some raw and challenging themes with maturity.”
“Thanks to Ms Zammit (Hereford Cathedral School’s Head of Drama) for her expertise and patience, congratulations to all concerned, and especially to Archie (MacLeod) who had such faith in us all.”
|
