Performing Arts students at Solihull College & University Centre have created a performance piece called Lessons in Lockdown drawing on their experience of 2020.
Using different performance techniques including acting and dance, the project explored human experiences and vulnerabilities. Students moved between pieces about feeling trapped in their rooms, relationship issues faced in lockdown, fighting in supermarket aisles, 5G conspiracies, feelings of isolation and other memorable moments from the year.
The piece was digitally streamed to classmates and performed to a small socially distanced audience of students and staff this week.
Performer Michaela Morgan-Bullock, 18, said of the final performance: “Performing in this piece really felt like a coming together. All of the audience members and the performers could relate to the experience as we are all going through the same event. It was really powerful.”
Performing Arts Lecturer, Kelly Casey stated: “Due to the unstable nature of lockdown and the issues and challenges that have developed as a result, this project took on a very personal nature for which the students had to deal with sensitive material in a very mature way. I feel that it was curated exceptionally well and that it made an impact on all audience members. The performances were emotional, hard-hitting, hilarious and heart-warming. I couldn’t be prouder.”
