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Abstract Learning and WWII Reflection
22 November 2024
As part of last week’s Remembrance commemorations, The Octagon hosted Dark Remembered Days, a thought-provoking performance exploring the impact of World War II through poetry, literature, and music. Directed by former Headmistress Elizabeth Mullenger, the production offered an abstract yet powerful way for students to engage with the realities of the conflict.
The stripped-back performance was accompanied by wartime images, video, and interpretive artwork. It featured a cast whose personal connections to World War II, through parents and grandparents, brought authenticity to the stories shared. Highlights included poignant monologues, such as a mother’s heartbreaking account of losing her child during the London bombings, and a montage of telegrams that vividly depicted the emotional toll of war.
The matinee performance was attended by pupils in Years 10 and 11, who later participated in a Q&A session. The evening show welcomed members of the wider community. Mullenger explained her vision, saying she hoped the performance would provoke thought and deepen understanding of WWII, which is often overshadowed by a focus on WWI.
Dark Remembered Days provided an alternative and abstract way for pupils to learn about the war, making its lessons resonate with a modern audience. It served as a reminder of the sacrifices of the past and the ongoing need for reflection in today’s turbulent world.
