And God Said, “Let There Be Light!”

Later today, the Rose Theatre will be brimming with an excited audience for the performance of ‘The Creation’ by Joseph Haydn. Written in 1796, the orchestral performance celebrates and depicts the beginning of life according to the Book of Genesis. Haydn’s oratorio, a combination of choir, orchestra and soloists, will be performed by The London Mozart Players and none other than the Tiffin School Oratorio. This year’s annual show put on by the school has proved to be popular as it became the fastest selling oratorio in the 52 years that it has taken place.

However, the pressure is not only on the Music Department as show time arrives, as providing equal input was the school’s Art Department. At the beginning of the school year, the art students from Yr11 and upwards were given their brief: to create a 2m by 1m flag, representing the libretto (lyrics) of the oratorio. These will be placed around the theatre to create an all round experience for the expectant audience. However, this proved to be no easy task for the students, as they pondered on what to create on their blank canvases, or in this case, banners. After all, they were attempting to emulate the beginning of life as we know it. They were able to use any material they could find and were given roughly four weeks to complete their challenge. With the only limits being the width and length of the flags, these productions could have been abysmal. But they were not. The students pulled out all the stops and all they needed was some time, some inspiration to create wonders of their own. Due to the freedom of the brief, the students created a variety of original designs, however, not one strayed from the theme; the flags were united with colour, purpose and mood. Recurring symbols included magnificently sculpted hands, soaring birds and grand trees. The flags expressed nature with divinity.

The creativity did not stop there, as some students made it their aim to go even further. Those who had particular visions in their minds progressed to sculptures. Animal sculptures were made to accompany the flags in the theatre. These varied from obvious ones like snakes and birds, to imaginative ones such as octopuses and stags. The main feature of the sculptures proved to be the large family of meerkats. Made from clay, the many meerkats will be dotted here and there to create a real sense of intertwining with nature.

Along with the trained voices, celebrated music and inspiring artwork, the theatre will be a special place to be tonight. I am sure the show will be a treat to both eyes and ears.