Over two nights, HND Acting and Performance/Production Technical Theatre students presented ‘A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian’ based on the novel by Marina Lewycka – a moving novel with political undertones that follows the lively relationship of a British-Ukrainian family.

Performing Arts Lecturer, James McLaughlan commented:

“I’m hugely proud of our students for so skilfully handling this mature piece of work."

Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of Marina Lewycka’s bestselling novel juggles themes of family obligation, war, immigration, aging and grief and still packs in a laugh or two among the tears.

Many of the students are now successfully articulating to our Drama, Theatre and Performance degree programme while others are taking their first steps into the performing arts industry.

We wish them all well.”

Talking about the opportunity to perform, Fiona Janzen, HND Performing Arts student said:

“I was really looking forward to the showcase. It’s a really amazing experience and I feel I’ve developed so much as an actor throughout this course.”

Kym Drysdale, HND Performing Arts student also commented:

“It has been a lot of fun rehearsing for the showcase and a really good build-up to the two nights. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use the skills I’ve learnt as an actor throughout the year at college. I’m coming back to West next year to study BA (Hons) in Drama, Theatre and Performance which I’m really looking forward to!”

We’re sure we’ll be seeing lots more of the HND students on stage and screen in the future!