A group of our A Level Drama and Classics students recently travelled to London’s Old Vic Theatre to watch a professional production of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy ‘Oedipus the King’, starring Rami Malek.
L6th student Annabel Tollner shared her thoughts on the experience: “As a Drama student studying A Level Drama & Theatre at Burgess Hill Girls, I get the opportunity to take part in theatre trips and last week a group of students took the train up to see this thrilling Greek Tragedy.”
The trip was particularly valuable as both Drama and Classics students study the same text as part of their respective A Level courses. Annabel explained, “Theatre trips have really helped aid my studies, specifically as I explore the playwright Sophocles at A-Level. They also provide me with an insight into the professional world of theatre as well as guiding my inspiration for my own acting, design and directorial ideas.”
The outing proved beneficial for Classics students too, allowing them to observe “how key characterisations were brought to life, as well as themes such as fate and prophecy.” Annabel added that these trips offer an excellent opportunity for students across different year groups to come together, relax and enjoy London’s theatre scene while learning outside the classroom environment.
Classics teacher Bryn Roberts emphasised the educational value of the experience: “Experiencing Oedipus on stage is a powerful reminder of why both Drama and Classical Civilisation are such vital subjects. Sophocles’ masterpiece is not merely an ancient text; it is a living, breathing exploration of fate, power, and the human condition which are questions that remain as urgent today as they were in 5th century Athens.”
Mr Roberts explained that for Classics students, seeing the play performed deepens their understanding of its linguistic, philosophical, and theatrical complexities, revealing the genius of Greek tragedy in its intended form – on stage, in front of an audience. Similarly, Drama students benefit from witnessing a professional production of this magnitude, gaining invaluable insight into performance, staging, and interpretation.
“Together, these subjects teach us not only about the past but also about ourselves,” Mr Roberts concluded, “shaping students into critical thinkers and engaged storytellers who appreciate the enduring power of theatre and ideas.”