The rehearsal itself was, all things considered, a resounding success. If you consider that we had to persuade 70 or so children to pay attention through an entire run through of the programme, that none of the teachers had given any thought as to how their protégés would actually get on or off the big stage, that they certainly hadn't thought to check there was electricity so that the acts could dance and sing to the accompanying music, the result was outstanding.
As ever, the most frustration was with the headmaster. "Gautam," I beckoned, "this is your big day tomorrow. Your school on show. You must watch the rehearsal and let us know whether you are happy with it and if you want any changes." That was the last we saw of him as he scuttled around with his mobile glued to his ear. His only contribution was unsurprisingly destructive. Having been at a school reunion the day before (while all the children at school were practising hard for the big day), he had slept in this morning and clearly missed breakfast. No problem. Take two of the main actors from the English play and send them to his home just at the start of the dress rehearsal of the play to get samosas and soup. Funnily enough on return we lost all concentration from all the kids as they jostled for a fried treat and bowl of watery gruel. Grrr. Perhaps he's just very trusting. For all he knows we have prepared them for a giant session of junior 'Ready, Steady, Cook'!
The kids did really well. All the practice of the past five weeks (which properly coordinated wouldn't have eaten into valuable lesson time or have had to be completed during a weekend and the first day of a national holiday!) was put to the test, and they were not found wanting. Instead, enthusiasm and pride were the order of the day.
Sunod meanwhile suffered the inefficiencies of his own kin as they ummed and ahhed as to whether the generator could be persuaded to show any vital signs. He turned up almost as if on cue, just as we completed the run through.
We finally left the hall in which the event takes place at 9pm, chairs laid out (except the soft ones for the all important 'important' guests). Parsuram and Anmol, best friends and our two favourite teachers stayed behind to try to make something of the stage. Sunod pondered whether he needed a 6x3 or a 6x6 backdrop for the school banner, and Gautam, the ever elusive head, returned just as we walked out with some drawing pins to help stick up various sheets and coloured paper. Shame that the walls are made of concrete...
It'll be all right on the night!
What was truly lovely was watching the little childrens' rapt attention to the acts on stage. They clearly thought it was wonderful, and for their enjoyment, if nothing else, the Herculean effort that Sarah and I put in has been worth it.
I'll leave this one with most amusing aspect of the day which had occurred at assembly that morning. The kids were briefed about the order of the day, and the personal preparations they should make. "You should make sure you bathe, come in clean clothes. You," pointing at a child with slightly longer than the usual 'high-and-tight' haircut they all sport, "you must have your hair cut. And you," more pointing, "and you must all be clean shaven. These kids are at most 13...
Pictures:
Practice time with Parsuram.
The kids enjoy the performance.
Soupy chaos.
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