A group of S3–S6 pupils from Drummond Community High School have recently visited the Traverse Theatre to watch an adaptation by Rob Evans of Barry Hines’s 1968 novel Kes (A Kestrel for a Knave), writes S6 student Mariana Duarte.
The Catherine Wheels Theatre Company’s production was directed by Gill Robertson and featured James Anthony Pearson as the main character Billy. Sean Murray played all the other parts – male and female.
In the plot, Billy is badly treated by everyone around him and only finds comfort in training his kestrel hawk, which he names Kes. However, at the end of the story, his brother Jud kills Kes and the consequences of this brutal act were convincingly portrayed by Pearson. Murray’s skilful acting demonstrated the anger and oppression imposed on Billy by the older characters.
We really enjoyed the play, especially since we were able to stay afterwards and have a debate with the director and cast which was very interesting and engaging. It was a great experience for the S3 pupils, given that they were going to begin studying the play, but also for the older ones because it helped us sharpen our analytical and observational skills while broadening our experience of live theatre.
Overall it was very helpful and also a lot of fun, Personally, I will definitely investigate going to the theatre more often as a result of this play!
[Image © Paul Witt]