Learning In London - Student Guest Blogger, Talia Rodriques

By Talia Rodriques

Student, HSSA Global Navigators, Theatre Arts Behind the Scenes

First lesson learned in London: Time (and people) move fast!

Even though I stepped off the plane only a week ago, I have been swept up by the speedy double decker buses and tubes, towering museums and offices, and enchanted by the city’s parks as well as its thriving culture.

Early in the week, we took a walking tour of London’s theatre district. Seeing the history behind the many great productions London is known for was amazing! Unfortunately, we were a bit bagged down by a steady shower of rain, in what we heard was typical of London. We also had an introductory session to our class, in which we were able to share our thoughts on theatre and get to know one another at CIEE headquarters. Later, we were able to journey to the British Museum. My class and I saw a huge variety of sights to explore, all encouraged through a scavenger hunt that my group definitely won. Later, we concluded our evening by seeing a showing of White Pearl. The show was a satirical piece on racial stereotypes, with a tribute of how social media influences perspective and tension. We talked about it nonstop on our way home from the tube, and then were able to disect it more in class the next day.

My stay in London has been filled with plenty of new friendships and excitement as my classmates are getting to know the city as well as one another. With any course you want to familiarize yourself with your peers. With theatre however, the vulnerability caused by the emotions required of acting and producing a play demands that we have an open bond. This has definitely come easy as we formed relationships while touring the city! I have greatly enjoyed this opportunity to meet new people and see their perspective on an art form I greatly enjoy.

I can not wait to see what our class - and London - has in store for us!