Call it a talent show writ large. This Saturday, 160 students from UWC Pearson College strut their stuff on stage at the Royal Theatre.
“Most of the pieces this year are things I have never seen before,” says college director David Hawley, “including a Hungarian dance, some dances from the South African townships and something creative about ping pong.”
Students aged 16 to 19 from 90 countries attend the international college in Metchosin. Choreography, performing, sound, and lighting are all organized by the students.
Few of the students have ever been on stage before, yet Rutendo Chabikwa, 17, a first-year student from Zimbabwe says she’s not nervous, saying it’s a chance for her to share her why she is proud to be African.
“I will forget about the number of people present, internalize the piece, and send the message I am supposed to send to the audience.”
Chabikwa has choreographed two dances, both in which she will be performing. She has also put together a spoken word segment.
Pearson College students have been staging the annual show, One World, since the school was founded in 1974. Proceeds from the show go toward supporting the school’s scholarship program. As well as music, dance, small plays and spoken word performances there will be the school’s signature number when all the students gather on stage to sing together as the One Hundred Voices Choir.
Tickets for 2 p.m or 8 p.m. One World performances – $23 adults, $18 seniors/students, $15 under 12 – are available at McPherson and Royal Theatre box office outlets or by calling 250-386-6121.