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ISTA Festival | A Symphony of Cultural Fusion at the Western International School of Shanghai

Mar 21, 2024

The recent ISTA Festival held at the Western International School of Shanghai, the hub for the arts in Shanghai, exemplified the transformative power of theater in creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Under the theme 'Tuning into our environments, our world and beyond,' students from various schools across Asia assembled to celebrate the legendary tale of 'Houyi and Chang'e - Goddess of the Moon.'

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The International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) stands as a melting pot of creativity and cultural exchange, offering young individuals worldwide the opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of theater. Founded in 1978 with humble beginnings, ISTA's remarkable journey over the past four decades has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in a present brimming with energy and excitement.

As a registered charity based in the United Kingdom, ISTA is dedicated to providing international theater experiences and opportunities for young people. With over 40 years of experience in the field, ISTA has evolved into a global workshop provider for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Theatre, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in theatrical education.

Boasting a membership exceeding 250 teachers, schools, and organizations, ISTA prides itself on fostering collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange through the powerful medium of theater. The organization's team comprises more than 150 freelance artists carefully selected for their expertise in theater practice, classroom management, and international perspective.

Each year, ISTA orchestrates over 60 events, including drama festivals, teacher training workshops, and collaborative projects, bringing together students and educators from diverse corners of the globe. This commitment to nurturing talent and facilitating cross-cultural connections underscores ISTA's mission to inspire the next generation of theater enthusiasts.

The recent ISTA Festival held at the Western International School of Shanghai, the hub for the arts in Shanghai, exemplified the transformative power of theater in creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Under the theme 'Tuning into our environments, our world and beyond,' students from various schools across Asia assembled to celebrate the legendary tale of 'Houyi and Chang'e - Goddess of the Moon.'

The festival served as a melting pot of voices, languages, and artistic expressions, showcasing the diversity and talent of middle school students from schools such as the American International School of Guangzhou, Beijing City International School, the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, ISA Science City International School, North London Collegiate School Jeju, and the Shanghai American School.

Central to the festival were the captivating performances delivered by students with confidence and passion. From poignant monologues to high-energy dance routines, each moment on stage was a testament to the dedication and talent of the young participants. More than just a showcase of skills, the festival provided a platform for personal growth and artistic exploration.

Workshops led by experienced ISTA Artists offered students the opportunity to delve into improvisation, devised theatre, and vocal techniques, igniting their curiosity and enriching their skill sets. Beyond honing their creative abilities, these hands-on experiences also nurtured critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration skills essential for academic success and future endeavors.

The culmination of the ISTA Festival at the Orsini Theatre was a jubilant celebration of the student's artistic achievements. Participants received resounding applause and admiration from the audience, validating their hard work and dedication throughout the event. The festival was not merely an event but a profound celebration of the students' boundless creative spirit.

The ISTA Festival at the Western International School of Shanghai was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of theater in uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering creativity, and inspiring a new generation of artists. Through collaboration, dedication, and a shared passion for the performing arts, the festival exemplified the profound influence that the arts can have in shaping young minds and creating lasting connections across cultures.

Contributions by Colin Mosher – Director of Art and the WISS Marketing Department.

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

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13816450346

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

Admissions

Follow us | Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Official WeChat Account QR Code

OFFICIAL WECHAT

拥抱多样性：全球创新学习联盟会议在新西兰奥克兰举行

全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）是一个著名的学校网络，致力于促进教育领域的创新、合作和文化交流。上海西华外籍人员子女学校（WISS）很荣幸成为全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）的成员，并兴奋地宣布将参加即将在新西兰奥克兰举行的全球创新学习联盟会议。此次会议为上海西方国际学校的学生提供了一次难得的机会，他们将在校长 David Edwards 先生、学术与创新部主任 Timothy Pyeon 先生和设计教师 Nwanneka Okwuosa 女士的陪同下，与其他 GAIL 成员学校共同促进多元化发展。

在中断四年之后，GAIL 会议将在新西兰奥克兰汇聚来自全球各地的教育工作者、管理人员和学生。今年的会议将特别关注多样性，承认多样性为教育机构带来的巨大价值。接受多元化观点、文化和思想的重要性无论怎样强调都不为过，GAIL 的目标是增强教育工作者创造包容性学习环境的能力。

WISS 始终站在倡导多元化和培养学生全球思维的最前沿。学校曾在 2019 年主办过 GAIL 会议，因此对这一活动的意义并不陌生。在 David Edwards、Timothy Pyeon 和 Nwanneka Okwuosa 等主要代表的陪同下，WISS 的学生将有宝贵的机会与来自其他 GAIL 成员学校的同学合作、学习和分享自己的独特经历。

本次会议的主要关注点是多样性，与会者可以期待一个深入探讨文化、种族、语言和社会多样性各个层面的丰富活动。研讨会、小组讨论和互动环节将为与会者提供在自己的学校创建包容性环境所需的工具和知识。会议旨在培养跨文化能力，弘扬学生和教育工作者的不同文化背景。

GAIL 会议之所以如此具有影响力，其中一个关键因素是它强调合作。与会者有机会参与合作项目，交流促进多样性和包容性的想法和最佳做法。通过这些互动，与会者将获得宝贵的见解和创新策略，并将其应用于各自的学校社区。

对于 WISS 的学生和更广泛的 GAIL 社区来说，在新西兰奥克兰举行的 GAIL 会议将是一次难忘的活动。当他们沉浸在一个多元、包容的环境中时，与会者将学到关于同理心、尊重和文化交流之美的宝贵经验。这次会议无疑将成为通过教育创造一个更加和谐和宽容的社会的垫脚石。

在即将于新西兰奥克兰举行的会议期间，WISS 与其他 GAIL 成员学校一道，热切希望为有关多样性的讨论做出贡献。通过参与此次全球对话，学校重申了其促进文化理解、拥抱多样性和推动教育创新的承诺。毫无疑问，GAIL 会议将成为积极变革的催化剂，教育工作者和学生将通力合作，共同建设一个重视和赞美我们丰富差异的未来。

WISS 主办 GAIL 会议（视频链接）