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KS3 KS4 KS5

Creative Commentaries: Rufus Norris on Small Island

Directing Drama English Performing Arts
On a large stage, a woman in a white dress relaxes on a bench, to the right behind her, another woman in a colourful dress watches on, behind them a line of figures stand at the back of the stage with silhouettes suggesting a crowd projected onto the back wall.

Overview

In this short educational film, director Rufus Norris gives his commentary on a scene from his production of Small Island, describing how all of the different technical and design elements come together to bring Andrea Levy’s novel to life on stage.

Learning outcomes

This film is designed to support students studying Small Island as part of an English or drama course.

For A Level drama students, it gives an insight into Rufus Norris’ practice.

Watch

On a large stage, a woman in a white dress relaxes on a bench, to the right behind her, another woman in a colourful dress watches on, behind them a line of figures stand at the back of the stage with silhouettes suggesting a crowd projected onto the back wall.
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Rufus Norris on Small Island

Production information

Olivier Theatre, 2019.

Small Island adapted by Helen Edmundson; based on the novel by Andrea Levy; directed by Rufus Norris; set and costume design by Katrina Lindsay; lighting design by Paul Anderson; projection design by Jon Driscoll; composer and music direction by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell; sound design by Ian Dickinson.

Photo © Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Suitability

Suitable for 13+/KS3+

Keywords

Andrea Levy, Helen Edmundson, Rufus Norris, adaptation, Windrush, WW2, A Level Drama and Theatre, English Literature, AQA

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