Dear Chris
How is your life in London? I bet your life there is much easier than it used to be, isn’t it? However, my life here is still hectic and back-breaking. I’m sorry for not writing to you in the last couple of months, as I was busying preparing for the performance by our school’s Drama Club, which was put on last Saturday. Let me share this marvellous experience with you.
The play, “Half a Century”, was to mark our school’s 50th Anniversary. I was the director of the drama, and I had to supervise and instruct the actors, camera crew and other staff, which was a really great responsibility. Let me tell you what I have learnt from this experience.
First of all, I learnt how to coordinate the cast and the staff effectively. From the audition to the performance, there were many debatable and controversial opinions. For example, some insisted an exquisite look for the actress would be better while some argued a masculine look was the best choice. Whenever there was dissent or even dissension, I had to be a mediator. Therefore, I’ve learnt to be a co-ordinator to settle various disputes, so that the whole team would function properly and have harmonious atmosphere as before.
I’ve learnt to cope with difficulties too. During the preparation for the play, we encountered some challenges such as going over the budget and changing the plans which seemed infeasible. I, as the person in charge, had to rack my brain to work out the last resort. From this experience, I learnt to be intrepid and tactful even though we are completely flummoxed by the difficulties and obstacles we confront. Don’t you think this is a precious learning opportunity?
Besides, I learnt to control my temper. As a petulant and grumpy person, I couldn’t be curt when interacting with my team members, as nobody had the responsibility to tolerate my behaviour. So my job is a test to me. When I encountered adversity, I had to stay calm. This is what I learnt as a director who shouldn’t have a self-centred attitude.
After the performance, I felt satisfied. Although the preparation of the play was really fatiguing, the harvest was tremendous. Friendship, lessons, gaiety… I could look back on my job and experience with great satisfaction. Don’t you have a yearning desire for this satisfaction?
There will be a heavy fall of snow in London these days. Take care! I look forward to your reply!
Best wishes
Pat