"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;"
A group of 15 Saints were players in the London theatre scene over spring break, and they took in a pair of productions from perhaps the most famous stage in the world.
A course in Theatre on the London Stage doesn't exaggerate the course experience. The students actually go on stage and participate in a pair of workshops. They also immerse themselves in the West End.
Over the course of one week, Krysta Dennis, Ph.D., producer of creative arts and Mike Lounello, technical director of events, escorted the Saints to six shows: an opera at the English National Opera (The Rhinegold), two productions at Shakespeare's Globe (Titus Andronicus and The Winter's Tale), the West End production of Cabaret, an avant-guard one-man show at the Battersea Arts Centre (Truth's A Dog Must to Kennel), and The Burnt City, an immersive promenade performance based on The Trojan Women.
"London was the most exhilarating experience of my college journey thus far," said Jaime Cochran '24. "I had never been out of the country before, and this class was the perfect way to begin my study abroad journey. We saw so much theatre, and had the time to talk through our thoughts on shows together with friends and wonderful mentors. This trip has definitely become the first of many beautiful memories like it. It was a refreshing theatrical exploration, and a reminder of how important it is that we look at the world from different perspectives, and rely on each other to help us navigate our human experience."
When the Saints weren't in the audience, they were on stage. The students participated in a pair of workshops, including an experience at Shakespeare's Globe (a recreation of Shakespeare's original theatre built in 1599) led by James Garnon. The Shakespearean actor has played Hamlet and Macbeth, among others, on the Globe stage.
From the University of Kent, where Dennis earned her Ph.D., Connor Rock '21 assisted with the other workshop. The recent Siena graduate is completing his MA in theatre-making at Kent.
"It was very rewarding seeing so many young talented people interested in theatre and enjoying London, and it felt very rewarding knowing that they came from the same place as I did," said Connor. "I could see a younger version of myself in all of the students, and I can’t help but reflect on my journey through Siena and through theatre and be proud of what I am doing now, and I am very grateful to be able to lend my knowledge to new students and help them through their own journey. That’s the epitome of what Siena is all about."
Between workshops and performances, the students also visited Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, and the Tate Britain. They also did some shopping on Regent Street, visited Canterbury Cathedral, a pub built in the 14th century, and explored the culinary delights of Borough Market.
"It was a real pleasure sharing my favorite city with our students. London is unparalleled in the diversity of theatrical styles it offers, and we had such a wide range of experiences during the week! As Samuel Johnson said, 'when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.' This is certainly true when it comes to the theatre!"
Krysta Dennis, Ph.D., producer of creative arts
"Overall, it was a fantastic trip! One of the best experiences I've ever had. It is a blessing to be able to immerse oneself in another culture, try new food and experience new environments. I got to see Big Ben, The London Eye, The Tower of London, and many other sights. If I had to rate it on a scale of one to ten, I would give it an eleven!"
Finesse Johnson Stewart '25
"It feels so different and so magical in the way artists work over there and I’m really excited to get to bring back what I saw and to get to use some of those tools and techniques in my craft here."
Jack Ellis '24
