Posted Monday 10 July 2017
A number of Kingston University's performing arts students, academics and alumni will be joined by royalty and stars of the small screen as they take to the stage to form part of the renowned International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF). Hosted by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, this year's productions reflect a number of contemporary hard-hitting issues - including the pressures of life on a council estate and the crumbling decline of the human mind caused by dementia.
Now in its ninth year, the Festival has long been a platform for budding actors, dancers and musicians to flex their talents, with participants coming from across the globe to perform at local venues The Rose Theatre and the Arthur Cotterell Theatre (ACT) at Kingston College. For second year Drama and Psychology student Luke Williams, the opportunity to network with other performers is not to be missed. "This has been my first time taking part in IYAF and I could not be more excited or motivated. It's amazing to be part of an explosion of art and self-expression," he said.
The timely message of togetherness is also reflected in Grey Matter, a production exploring the challenges presented to those suffering from vascular dementia, whereby the brain deteriorates following a stroke. Grey Matter was developed by a group of Kingston University drama graduates, all freshly awarded first class honours for their degrees. One of those involved is Ella Morris.
For Jason Piper, the Acting Head of Kingston University's School of Performance and Screen Studies, the role of theatre in examining topical issues is paramount to its overall aims. "Our job as artists is to hold the world and its various ills to account. And as a Kingston University creative collective, I could not be more proud that we are covering a spectrum of important social issues at this year's IYAF," he said.
"We have collected a team of current and former students, local schoolchildren - and Robert Pugh - to form a combination of music and dance styles. It's a story rich for creative purposes with a positive affirmative message."
IYAF has also given first year Illustration student Amelia Fowler the opportunity to showcase her impressive artwork, following a competition win where her designs were chosen for the cover and branding of the Festival's programme. "I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to find out that my design had been selected. Seeing my work appearing around Kingston has also been very surreal," she said.
While IYAF continues to open up the possibilities of career breaks for the University's performing arts students, Jason Piper is keen to emphasise the role the University plays in the local area. "It's imperative for us to engage with our community and to remind people of the talent and creative minds we have here at Kingston. Likewise, I tell our students that it is a privilege to perform in a live theatre and one that they should honour and cherish."
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