Field Trip to Alliance Theatre

Atlanta's Alliance Theatre welcomed students from Theatre Program Director Brad Bass’ classes for a compelling performance of Sanaz Toossi's "English" — the celebrated play that clinched the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. "English" vividly portrays an Iranian classroom where adults learn English, aiming to unlock opportunities such as acquiring a green card, entering medical school, or reuniting with family.

 

Recognizing the educational and cultural significance of the play, Mr. Bass commented, “Our proximity to the Alliance Theatre offers a unique opportunity: witnessing a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama right in our backyard. Introducing students to this sophisticated piece is about more than just appreciating drama. I aim to nurture a comprehensive understanding of its nuances.”

 

Each of Mr. Bass's classes approached the play with a distinct focus: The Collaborative Dramatic Performance class explored the underlying themes, the Acting for Short-Form Theatre class delved into the intricacies of characterization, and the Directorial Workshop class examined the director's overall vision, from set design and lighting to costumes, artistic choices, color palettes, and overarching intentions. Students were prompted to critically evaluate the multifaceted aspects of the drama, consolidating their analyses with evidence and aligning their interpretations with their personal perspectives. The ultimate goal is that such a deep dive will foster vibrant classroom discussions that are not only engaging but also insightful and enriching.