Pupils stage Madagascar
For Year 5 pupils of Msida Primary School, Madagascar does not remind them only of the large, exotic island to the east of Africa, but also the hilarious comedy they recently staged, in which four pampered animals from New York Central Park Zoo were...
For Year 5 pupils of Msida Primary School, Madagascar does not remind them only of the large, exotic island to the east of Africa, but also the hilarious comedy they recently staged, in which four pampered animals from New York Central Park Zoo were shipwrecked, together with their friends, among the tropical trees of the jungle.
On a script written purposely for this year's prize day, the film Madagascar was adapted into a musical. However, although the well-known tunes were appreciated by everyone present, the emphasis was on the message that was imparted to the audience.
Although the foosa used to bully the lemurs, the wise words of Alex the Lion emphasised the positive values of comradeship, unity through diversity and empathy. In the play, King Julien, leading the lemurs, could now have his mind at rest that everyone could live in peace.
The children of Achille Ferris Primary School, Msida, ably acted out other characters, such as Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe. I am sure that Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer would have been proud to see this re-enactment of their popular work.
The adaptation could not have been possible without the help of the two Year 5 teachers, senior teacher Ms V. Bajada and Ms R. Fenech, PE teacher Ms E. Farrugia who wrote the script and guided the choreography, and the eight first-year students of the Institute of Community Services of MCAST, who so professionally painted the children's faces.
Some costumes were designed by Ms R. Fenech and created with recycled paper. Mr and Mrs Manicolo, parents of children at our school, created and painted a wonderful set as backdrop for Ta' Madagascar jew il-Buskett.
Education authorities, Msida councillors, other guests and parents could enjoy the talents of our children, in the hall of the Achille Ferris Primary School which has been newly refurbished with the help of the school council president and the workers at the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools.
Ms Inguanez is assistant head at Achille Ferris Primary School, Msida.