“The Forgotten Passenger List”

Spring term 2007

A drama performance can be developed from a wide range of material. Our society is rich with stories, old and new, real and fantastical. But, perhaps some of the best stories are those that have remained untold. The stories that people forgot to pass on before they themselves moved on. History has the potential to offer Drama stories which deal directly with questions about the human condition. Based in fact, these stories have a credibility which, when explored, can enhance the impact they have on their intended audience.

“The Forgotten Passenger List” was such a story. The project started in the classroom as a research exercise. It was my intention to show the children that history could provide interesting characters and inspiring, dramatic storylines.

Initially, they were given the passenger lists from the official Titanic website. They were then asked to select a passenger from the list and research him or her, gathering as much personal, circumstantial and historical information as possible. Links were then drawn between the characters and stories gradually presented themselves. Obviously, in order for the performance to have fluidity, some aspects of the play were fictional. But this alone was a learning experience for the children as they realised that any additional characters had to be appropriate and purposeful.

The fifth year worked exceptionally hard with little time to prepare. But their enthusiasm for the project carried them through, allowing them to create something meaningful and thought provoking. In short, they created a play with a purpose, the purpose being not merely to entertain but to encourage remembrance. As Robert says at the end of the play;

“As long as we keep on talking and describing the remarkable moments in our lives, no matter how big or important, the memories will not be able to fade away.”

RC-M