Poplars Drama Club Delights Audiences with “Mary Poppins” Performance
BUENOS AIRES – The Poplars Drama Club captivated audiences on November 19th and 21st with their vibrant production of “Mary Poppins” at the Gran Cabral Theater. Featuring a cast of 40 students from 4th,5th,and 6th grade,the performance showcased artistic expression,English language skills,and valuable life lessons.
The extracurricular club, founded in 2012 by teachers Valeria Valenzuela and Sabina Toledo, initially focused on exploring musicals at the primary level, beginning with productions like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and charles Chaplin shorts.As then,the club has consistently staged ambitious productions,including “the Wizard of oz,” “Lion King,” “The Sound of Music,” “Peter Pan,” and,at the secondary level,”Hairspray,” “Mamma Mia,” and “chicago.”
This year’s production benefited from open rehearsals held throughout the first week of November,welcoming over 60 students from Provincial Primary School No.47, alongside two preview performances for families and the public.
Currently coordinated by English Department teachers Luis vivar, Daiana Piñero, and Liliana Pagirys, alongside bilingual Music teacher Gastón Jotayan, the Drama Club relies on strong family support for set design, costumes, and rehearsal assistance.
Provincial Directorate of Private Management Education Director,Daniela Franchini,emphasized the club’s impact,stating it “promotes the learning of English in real contexts,fosters values aligned with the institutional mission – collaboration,teamwork,resilience,solidarity and a sense of belonging - and develops creativity,creativity,critical thinking and problem-solving skills.” Franchini also noted the production’s contribution to students’ emotional self-regulation through exploring emotions and strengthening both verbal and non-verbal interaction skills. Performing in English further enhances linguistic competence.
The success of “Mary Poppins” was also attributed to the support of the school’s General Director and founder, Mabel Kennard, English coordinator Liliana Pagirys, the teaching team, support staff, and the Provincial Directorate of Private Management Education.