Informal report from Dan Morris on Huntingdon Youth Theatre trip toWertheim.
Huntington Youth Theatre’s trip to Wertheim was an absolute blast! We travelled
across five countries on a long but peaceful coach trip, which was a first for many of
the kids. When we finally arrived, we were greeted with smiles and enthusiasm from
our German friends. We spent the next couple of days preparing for and rehearsing
the show of the Snow Queen, which we performed for the kids at the gymnasium
and the general public. We also got to take daily tours of different areas of Baden-
Württemburg and Bavaria, including Rothenburg, Würtzburg, and Wertheim itself. I
was so grateful for all the planning and hospitality we received as a group. And I’m
so proud of how Huntingdon Youth Theatre represented itself in such a professional
and respectful manner.
Two of the members were directly involved in HGTA and joined me in representing
the twinning association to the mayor in the local government house. The very
charming and quite cheeky mayor gave us a warm welcome in the council chamber,
sharing all about his and his colleagues’ work there and inviting HYT to share their
experience and the show with him.
I was fortunate enough to meet with Celia, who represents the local government to
their twinning association. Our conversation started in a way that will come as no
surprise to Liz and the Young Twinners; it began with me asking where I could buy a
flag.
I was surprised to receive Celia’s own Wertheim table flag from her office. After a
brief argument about me offering to pay for it and being defeated, I now proudly
display it in my home. Along with the other flags I bought of course. I have a
reputation to uphold.
The whole trip was a massive undertaking, and I’m so proud of our members for
staying focused, friendly, and enthusiastic throughout the activities. They even made
some really cool friends with some of the German kids at the Gymnasium. It was like
saying goodbye to family members, and there were a lot of tears and wails on the
bus as we left the farewell party. It was a real surprise that one of the German kids
didn’t try to stow away!
What transpired on this trip was not only a testament to town twinning in action but
also a resounding success. This journey was a vivid epic of shared activities and
historical explorations, intertwined with the joy of sightseeing and a focused
production that we had to achieve. We celebrated both our differences and
similarities, embracing what we could learn from one another while teaching each
other about our unique experiences, language was one of the many areas that we
found time to stop and learn about, even just to order some food. We bonded over
our shared love for acting, performance, and local tourism, and marvelled at the
distinct yet complementary dry or even blunt sense of humour that seems to unite
the people of Britain and Germany in a way that many around the world envy and
perhaps also don’t fully understand.
The success of this linked twinning initiative is a powerful reminder of the profound
impact that cultural exchange can have for young people. It bridges gaps, nurtures
new friendships, and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation between
communities that did not comprehend one another until that first meeting. This trip
was not just about visiting a new place; it was about an introduction to building those
lasting connections and breaking down barriers through laughter, art, and mutual
respect, of which there was no short supply.
In our interactions, we witnessed firsthand the beauty of that collaboration. It was
evident in the smiles exchanged, the stories shared, and the performances
applauded. This experience proved to be not only educational but also
transformative, leaving an indelible mark on all of us who participated. This is the
success that Young Twinners will be continuing to strive for as an initiative.
It was truly an unforgettable experience!”
DanMorris