YCIS Beijing was thrilled to host the first part of the 2023 ISTA Drama Festival. During the 3-day festival, a project of the Yew Chung Education Fellows-in-Residence Division in collaboration with the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA), three YCYW schools (YCIS Beijing, YWIES Beijing Yizhuang and YCIS Qingdao) came together as theatre makers and change makers!

After a joint kick-off celebration with musical acts by many of our talented students and speeches by our Co-Principals, Mr James Sweeney and Ms Jessica Sun, Drama director Ms Setenay ‘Tess’ Agrali, and Music director, Mr Gordon Robb, the Year 5s and up began the festival around the theme of ‘Telling Stories’. In grouped workshops with three experienced international theatre artists, the students felt the power and inspiration of stories, learned how to transform them into theatrical action, and made connections with themselves, their peers, and the world.

On the final day, the students proudly showcased their learning and shared their passion for theatre. We all look forward to continuing ‘Telling Stories’ in the second part of the ISTA Drama Festival in June!