École Cariboo Hill made school history with their winter drama performance of Murder on the "O", which was done partially in French.
Led by student directors with the support of their high school drama teacher, the production had two casts. One performed in English and the other used their language skills acquired in French Immersion.
Grade 11 student Mila Khvadagiani played the role of Countess Elena Andrenyi.
It was an interesting experience, taking what we typically learn in a classroom and using it onstage. Performing the same show in different words, an entirely different language, yet conveying the same story - it was a marvelous opportunity, one that I am personally very grateful to have been a part of."
Cariboo Hill's Drama teacher Giuliano Vigna came up with the idea to showcase the skills and talents of the theatre students.
"My philosophy in theatre has always been to platform the individuals within our company, highlighting their various backgrounds, interests, and talents. With so many French Immersion students in their final years, I proposed the possibility of translating parts of the script into French. These valiant students were enthusiastic to take on the challenge."
Under the guidance of French Immersion teacher Rosalind Sadowski, Grade 12 student Naiah Thomas translated and directed the French version of the show.
"We were able to showcase our learning and platform the Francophone and Francophile community in a unique way, and it was an amazing feeling to show so many people the skill sets we have acquired after dedicating up to 12 years of our lives to learning [French]."
Cariboo Hill's Principal Chris Sandor watched the English and French productions and was impressed with both.
"I was blown away by the French production. The way that the performers were able to transition seamlessly from French to English and then back to French again was unbelievable."
The high school performers also shared their passion for the language with younger French Immersion classes when they additionally performed for students from École Armstrong Elementary.
