In Politics and International Relations yesterday, students attacked that topic that has plagued humanity from Ancient Egypt, through early Christianity, to our present day grapplings with the war on terror and military interventions in foreign lands. The lesson culminated in a formal debate between students, as they considered examples from history and brought ethical theory to bear on this highly relevant topic. With several exempla from current affairs to mull over―potential ‘humanitarian’ intervention in Venezuela sprung to mind, as did the cold war getting hotter between the US and North Korea―this was a jam-packed discussion.
Then it was off to London to witness a culture war, as rock’n’roll brought a revolution of freedom to a conventional (read: uptight) preparatory school in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of The School of Rock. Students waited excitedly outside the New London Theatre for the show to begin, trading favourite moments from the near-cult classic 2003 film, and enjoying the atmosphere of London’s West End. Touted by critics as “the most enjoyable few hours money can buy”, the musical wowed our Catz students with the talent of its performers, the catchiness of Lloyd Webber’s original songs, and the generally upbeat and rebellious vibe. Some favourable comparisons were made to the film, which is high praise indeed!