Set on Victorian London streets, the latest Doha College drama production, The Threepenny Opera, was a huge success, with over 450 tickets sold and a sell-out final night’s performance.
The 48-strong student cast showcased its acting, production and set design skills as they told of the trials and tribulations of the charming yet dangerous Mack the Knife and his gang in this adapted production of The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill.
Niki Marks, Head of Drama at Doha College, explained why they chose the play. “Bertolt Brecht is an area of study for our GCSE and A-level students so they can understand the expressionism genre of theatre. By adapting the script to fit with a school production, the cast were able to embrace the dramatic storytelling and practise their acting skills. This was a slight change to our normal musical performances but the students were amazing and it fitted perfectly with our core school values to challenge and reward, I am very proud of all the cast, crew and staff, it was an incredible production.”
The students certainly benefited from the dramatic script. Ainsley Jordan, who played the female lead role Polly, said: “Playing Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera truly was an amazing experience. Acting is something I want to devote the rest of my life to and to be able to work alongside the cast and crew at Doha College makes the whole five months of planning and rehearsal an absolute pleasure.
“This production was very different from the previous Doha College plays. The style of the play meant the acting had to be very over the top and melodramatic, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Because of my acting experience at Doha College, I have been called for auditions at the GuildHall London, Arts Education in London and the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow. I am so excited about the next stage of my career. ”
Doha College drama students take part in one major school production each year as they prepare for their exams in Drama and Theatre Studies.
Many Doha College alumni are now working in the theatre and film industry. One such alumna, Emma Hold, is appearing in an independent murder mystery film in the UK later this year.
The Peninsula
