Argonautika

Every year, the Skinners’ School Drama Department never fails to put on such amazing and ambitious productions, and this year was certainly no different. Powerful, thought-provoking, and an all-round enjoyable experience, Director Helen Kirk, along with major support from other Director Ellie Hill and Assistant Director Guy Hunt, were able to brilliantly bring to life the Greek tale of Argonautica: The Voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. The myth is one of pursuing in the face of the impossible, but also one of betrayal and vengeance. It tells the tale of Jason, who after being blessed by Hera and Athena and wanting to claim his rightful heir to the throne, gets sent by his uncle King Pelias on the impossible task of retrieving the Golden Fleece. Despite seeming an obvious trap, Jason accepts the challenge and gathers a large crew, the Argonauts, to help him on his voyage. This crew includes many renowned heroes such as Castor and Pollux; the mighty Hercules; the swift hunter Atalanta and the seer Idmon. Along the journey they face many challenges, such as sea monsters and harpies, temptations and giants, clashing rocks and the loss of heroes-including Hercules. 

Containing a huge cast of Year 7 to Year 10 pupils, as well as students from various surrounding schools, to say that they were able to bring life and character to the stage would be a gross understatement. Notable performances for me included that of Zac Scarbrough, who played the role of the cocky Hercules brilliantly and to great effect, so much so I wished he were on the stage for longer than he was! This was of course well supported by Digby Kewell, who played Hylas and made the dynamic between him and Hercules feel so believable. Caspar Good and Oli Schluep both played the role of Hera and brought such energy to the stage. Rafi Tootal was a total standout as Athena and always ensured to get a laugh or two out of me. However, the two main roles I feel could not have been portrayed any better by Charlie Beneventi, our hero of the story; who brought a lot of passion, talent, and life to the role of Jason, so much so you could feel his determination to achieve the impossible throughout the show; as well as Maddy Kirk, who brought such complexity and thoughtfulness to the role of Medea through subtle movements and gestures, which is to be seriously admired. 

The production was brought to life through the amazing set design of Mike Taylor, who again had his work cut out for him working with a traverse stage! This stage was also accompanied by the amazing work of James Dean, who never fails to impress us with his lighting and behind-the-scenes work; as well as a collection of beautiful puppets made specifically for this show by the talented craftsman ship of Russel Dean at Strangeface Theatre. 

This production was, as is now to be expected, a triumph. I wish to personally congratulate all those who took part and worked tirelessly in bringing this show to life and I cannot wait to see how this is upstaged next year! 

Oliver Coleman-Smith