The Connection
South Dartmoor Community College Newsletter
Spring 2002

South Dartmoor Drama students claim to have seen the William Shakespeare - alive on their College campus. Joseph Fiennes, world-class actor, famous for his title role in the acclaimed film Shakespeare in Love, generously ran a workshop for Drama students at South Dartmoor.

The Drama Studio was buzzing with energy as we waited for Joseph Fiennes. The door opened and it seemed as if time had frozen. Everything was silent and no one moved. We expected bodyguards, heavy security, but instead we were greeted by a big friendly smile and a, "How are you all?"

Joseph made us all feel very relaxed and at ease, getting us all involved. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and to be, "... like the pilgrims in Tibet, to have pure dedication." He is living proof that it is not just through luck and outstanding talent that you get to the top. You need to work hard to achieve dreams and get your hands dirty, as he did as a dresser at the National Theatre, picking up other actors' dirty socks and pants for four years.

Joseph described Shakespeare's work as being the "Olympics of theatre." Joseph gave us new ideas and new ways of thinking about Shakespeare. He was encouraging and enthusiastic towards us. On line learning he commented, "It's not so much the lines you need to know but the thoughts behind the lines. Once I've got the thoughts, the lines come naturally."

After the workshop she said the Drama students' work was far better than he was expecting, describing them as intelligent, committed and sensitive. Joseph Fiennes has made a truly significant contribution to those he worked with and provided students with an exciting, well-balanced role model. Thank you.

Sixth Form Drama & Theatre Studies Students

Sheer Delight

It was a most memorable experience to watch the students react in this workshop session. I had not intended to stay, but was enthralled by what can be done by students in an atmosphere of total awe, respect and trust. Our students responded in depth and with sensitivity and enthusiasm, not to mention rapt attention. Sitting on the sideline I was able to reflect on the value of Drama as a curriculum subject. It generates sensitivity, articulate self-expression and trusting relationships in a way no other subject can.

The workshop was a sheer delight to experience and we are immensely grateful to Joseph Fiennes for giving us his time and phenomenal expertise.

Geoff Histed, Deputy Principal

College Photographers: John Bradford, Alex Booty, Kieran Deakin, Xavia Smith, and Beth Webster.