“My favorite part of my job is affecting change in my students,” says Jessica McClellan, Faust International’s Program Coordinator and Drama Teacher. “Through drama we can create environments where children express their personality and break out of moulds that form at an early age, and often carry through life, such as ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I’m not smart enough’.”
Jessica’s work with Faust started with a request to direct a play that entered the annual Faust Festival. Next, an invitation to return for the Summer Theatre program – which was in her words “an absolute blast” – and, since 2006, she’s never looked back. This year, she is the Festival’s Director of The Witchly Sister's Last Spell, Robin Hood, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Aladdin for 7 to 12 year olds, as well as being a leader in the Summer Theatre.
“The kids really open up when given a break from the regular school routine and theatre is a great way to start expressing that creative energy in a constructive way,” Jessica emphasizes.
“Faust is a wonderful company full of really great and creative people, who believe in each other and what they do. We are constantly offered great opportunities to grow personally and professionally,” explaining why she keeps going with the work. “Oh, and coffee helps too!”
Her only dislike is that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. “With theatre, it is always a work in progress. There is always more work that could be done and things that could be improved. But at some point we must say ‘we have done everything we can’.”
Looking to get away from the stress of the crowds in Jordan, Jessica made an easy decision to move to Sai Kung in 2005. She loves the peace and quiet, the neighbourly feel, being around nature and the sea views. For her, a hike to Tai Long Wan, a BBQ on the beach, or a walk along the waterfront and dinner in the square are some of the best ways to enjoy life here.
She feels that Sai Kung may be losing its “small fishing village” charm if shops like McDonalds, Starbucks and 7-11 are the only ones that can afford the rent here. “Rental prices are raised so high that local businesses have to shut down.” And she’d like something done about the perpetual traffic misery on weekends – perhaps some regulations about bringing private cars into town on weekends or some residents’ rights when it comes to public transport?
The Faust Festival 2010, in its 10th year, runs from 25th May to 20th June at the McAulay Studio in the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Summer Program Workshops run weekly from 28 June to 20 August.
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