This week, our Lower Sixth Drama, Classics and English students travelled to Cambridge for an exciting trip to see a production of Medea written and directed by Trinity alumnus Dhyan Ruparel (Class of 2025).
Before the performance, Drama and English students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the ADC Theatre, including backstage workshops, the set and the fly tower. Meanwhile, Classics, Latin and Greek students explored the Cast Gallery, home to hundreds of cast models inspired by some of the most famous works of Greek and Roman art.
Lower Sixth student Robyn reflected on the visit, saying: “The selection and variety of the different sculptures was very impressive. I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the conceptual art and the ancient sculpture.”
The groups then reunited for Dhyan’s brilliant production of Medea, a play he first grew to love while stage managing Trinity’s 2022 Sixth Form production. Students were captivated by the performance, with Drama scholar Sapphy commenting: “The actor playing Medea was breathtaking: she showed the madness of Medea whilst still making us feel sympathy.”
It was wonderful to see Dhyan thriving in his element, and also to catch up with alumnus Barney Sayburn (Class of 2024), who was working front of house for the production.
Following the show, Director of Drama Miss Robinson hosted Dhyan and a panel for an insightful Q&A session exploring the writing, rehearsal and technical processes behind the production.
Reflecting on the experience, Teacher of English Mr Lydon said: “It was a truly wonderful experience watching Dhyan’s adaptation of Medea. The post-show Q&A shared some fascinating insights on how texts are brought to life as plays, which is enormously beneficial to anyone studying English, Classics and/or Drama at A Level.
“Dhyan clearly inspired our Lower Sixth students, with many commenting on how high quality the production was, comparing it favourably with professional shows they have seen on school trips this year. Several have said they are changing their university plans having seen what the Cambridge experience is like.
“It was especially heartening to see Dhyan thank the English and Drama departments in his programme notes, encouraging our students to take advantage of the opportunities they have during their time at Trinity.”
Cross-curricular trips like this help students to learn with new perspectives as they approach texts through different lenses, making for lively discussion!
Many thanks to Dhyan and Barney for hosting us in Cambridge.
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