On 5th August this year, three Theatretrain pupils took part in the annual EDERED encounter which, this year, was held in Finland. Welfare Leader Paul Clark (Theatretrain Exeter) and Workshop Leader Faye Harrison (Garrick Theatre) took students from Theatretrain Derby, Theatretrain Waltham Forest and Theatretrain Exeter along with a student from the Redbridge Drama Centre and one from the Garrick Youth Theatre in Stockport to Hänko in Finland. Here they worked with students from 10 other countries to create a final performance which was performed on a beach. It was an intensive week and the students spent a lot of time in their five groups, learning new skills, making new friends and being trained by two workshop leaders from different countries. They were based in a stunning location right next to the sea and within a stunning forest and this was an ideal setting for developing the theme of “It’s My Nature”. These are some of the comment from the participants…
“It was a once in a lifetime experience to meet so many new people from all different cultures and get to create something utterly amazing. All of the workshop leaders, welfare leaders and staff at hand were so caring and fun, we were looked after from start to finish. I’ll never forget my Edered experience!” – Annie, Garrick Youth Theatre
“The experience was absolutely amazing ,I’ve made so many friends and had a great time in the workshops learning new things and techniques definitely worth going if you have the chance !!! – Rowan, Theatretrain Derby
My experience was amazing! It was the best week ever and I have made so many friends who I will keep in touch with! A once in a lifetime experience!” – Emma, Theatretrain Exeter
“EDERED was an amazing experience for me. Our week in Finland not only allowed me to experience a new style of theatre and perform in a completely new environment, but also make new friends from all over. Working in such an mixed group of young people made for an even more interesting performance, and also pushed me out of my comfort zone, improving my confidence and building great frienships. The evening activities also helped to bring the group closer together and create an awesome week that I will never forget. I would recommend EDERED to anyone!” – Jade, Redbridge Drama Centre
It wasn’t all work however. The students also got time to spend on the beach, swim in the sea and enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna – complete with songs! They also took part in the traditional ‘Market Place’ where they had the opportunity to sample foods and swap gifts from all the other countries. Another traditional activity was the National Evening where each country creates a small performance to introduce the others to their own particular culture. This was thoroughly entertaining and who knew that we had so many slang phrases in this country! This really was an experience of a lifetime for the students and one that they will never forget.
