Original take on Greek tragedy

UXBRIDGE College students excelled themselves last week when they performed a spectacular performance of The Bacchae, a Greek drama,

The first-year students at the college’s Hayes centre gave a polished and very professional performance worthy of the National Theatre.

This is not hollow praise– I am a regular audience member at the NT, and the students really were that good. I’ve rarely seen a school/student performance like it.

This was not easy subject matter. When Dionysus returned home with his cult of female Bacchae to clear his mother’s name the local women worshipped him with a fierce devotion which eventually led to tragedy. Well, it is Greek.

The music (written and performed by the students) and the choreography were first class.

This was thanks to the performers being well-rehearsed under the tight direction of Robert Lane who had already tackled Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and last year’s Grimm Tales at the college.

The Bacchae was captivating and everyone taking part was completely involved, focused, and in role, from beginning to end.

The production is going on tour to local schools, including Rosedale College, Northolt High School and Villiers High School. I’m sure their pupils will be equally enthralled.

Euripides may have written it, but the Uxbridge college students – who are all on performance arts, music and dance courses – made it. A brilliant production.