At the end of last term, students in Years 9 - 11 were treated to a high energy performance of War Poetry by “Poetry in Action”, an organisation which creates “theatrical experiences for young audiences across Australia and internationally”.

The show told the story of the life of the famous WWI poet Wilfred Owen, bringing to life some of his best works in a lively and engaging way. The performance, timely as WWI centenary celebrations have just passed, provided students with an insight into life as a young soldier in the Great War and the harsh conditions they faced.

This performance was particularly relevant for students as many Year 11 English classes have studied War Poetry this year, particularly that of Wilfred Owen. The three performers stepped the audience through various aspects of a soldier’s life in the war, beginning by contrasting the societal glorification of war and its gruesome reality, both of which Owen faced. We gained an even better understanding of the real messages behind his works through the use of their performing and presenting skills. The performance wrapped up by exploring Owen’s final years in the war as he met Siegfried Sassoon at a hospital, another war poet who influenced his final works before he returned to the frontline and was killed in action.

Overall, students were left with a newfound appreciation for War Poetry and what life was like for young people, just like us, in WWI. The lively performance gave new life to the work studied in class as well as provided an entertaining end to the school term.