to recognise what other people are
thinking and feeling in a way that
watching a movie or reading a text
could not.
“Thinking outside the box and
learning to solve problems are
essential to a more creative and well-
rounded individual,” according to
Stephens. “The school’s philosophy
of education centres on creativity,
collaboration and resilience: all
essential for future careers.”
The humanising influence
“I still remember the impact of my
first school outing to the theatre which
allowed me to enter a special place
where everything was possible, and
more intense and alive,” says Tisa Ho,
executive director of the Hong Kong
Arts Festival. “For me, it touched the
fundamental values of what it is to be
human.”
Running from February 27 to
March 29, this year’s Hong Kong Arts
Festival is a great place for adults and
students alike (
org).
“There is a raft of programmes
for young audiences to enjoy with
the whole family – gorgeous,
exciting and funky work which will
be entertaining as well as thought
provoking,” says Ho. The live theatre
programme encompasses both classic
and contemporary work. Productions
reflect things top-of-mind to Hong
Kong including works that explore
the SAR’s collective memory, recent
events and imaginative re-visioning of
everyday objects.
“Great performances have a
wonderfully humanising influence,” says
Ho. “They release us from the quotidian
to reconnect with a self that is at the
same time more vibrantly aware and
also more centred and at peace; allowing
us to be more in tune with fundamental
human values shared across different
convictions and beliefs.”
The programme includes
productions of
The Amahs, Pride
and Prejudice
and a Paper Cinema
production of the
Odyssey
.
Tools to succeed
Culturally enriching field trips matter.
Live theatre has overwhelmingly
positive and long-lasting effects on
our children, and produces significant
benefits for students on a variety of
educational outcomes that schools and
communities care about.
As parents, we owe it to our
children to give them the best start in
life. Nurturing academic achievement
is important, but it’s just as critical to
teach them tolerance and empathy
towards others, as well as other
soft skills that traditional academic
programmes don’t focus on.
If we get the balance right, our
children will acquire the tools to be
more successful in life. After all, isn’t
that what all parents want?
Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock.com
March 2015
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