The Dulwich Difference – Drama

Drama at Dulwich College Seoul is rooted in creative expression, ensemble collaboration and thoughtful inquiry into the human experience. Through a dynamic curriculum and a rich programme of productions and international opportunities, students develop confidence, creativity and a deep appreciation for storytelling in all its forms.

Meet the Drama Team

Mr Matthew Readman, Head of Drama

Matthew leads the Drama curriculum across Middle School, IGCSE and IB Theatre. His practice centres on creative risk-taking, exploration of diverse perspectives and empowering students to approach performance as a meaningful form of communication. He also leads Senior School productions.

Ms Kyungmin Kim, Senior School Drama and English Teacher

Kyungmin brings a strong creative background to the Drama programme, drawing on her experience as a visual artist, filmmaker and storyteller. She is passionate about helping students explore diverse perspectives, develop confidence on stage and express themselves with clarity and imagination. Her work enriches the Senior School curriculum and supports a vibrant, inclusive Drama community.

Ms Miyoung Kim, Teaching Assistant (Drama) and Auditorium Technician

Miyoung supports Drama teaching and technical production across the College, ensuring that students experience a professional theatre environment. Her expertise behind the scenes helps bring each performance to life with precision and care.

Our Approach to Drama

The Drama Department aims to develop imaginative, balanced and passionate young artists. The programme encourages students to examine human behaviour, social dilemmas and global perspectives through the craft of theatre. Lessons are grounded in collaboration, reflection and creative experimentation, underpinned by department values such as compassion, curiosity, inclusiveness, risk-taking, integrity and passion.

Mr Readman explains:

“Through crafting drama and creating theatre, young people celebrate both individually and collectively through the many different forms of storytelling. We strive to create an environment that is safe, experimental and inclusive, where imagination and innovation can truly flourish.”

Recent Highlights Across the College

Worldwise Shakespeare Festival (Dulwich College Suzhou)

Year 10 and Year 11 students travelled to Suzhou to collaborate with Royal Shakespeare Company practitioners and peers from Dulwich schools across China and Singapore. Working intensively over five days, students devised a full performance staged in a theatre of 600 seats.

As Mr Readman reflected:

“This kind of experience is full of authentic learning, learning that is very difficult to create in the regular school context. Our students were seen as polite, personable and confident. It was the Dulwich Difference in action.”

Senior School Production – A Tale of Heungbu and Nolbu

The term culminated in a vibrant Senior School production inspired by the classic Korean folktale. Students demonstrated creativity, professionalism and ensemble collaboration, performing to energetic audiences from DUCKS to Year 13.

Year 8 – Production in a Week

Year 8 students became the first actors to perform in the new Alleyn Theatre through an intensive one-week workshop led by teaching artist Marc Pouani. The experience challenged students to collaborate rapidly, take creative risks and develop ensemble discipline.

Year 10 – Chuseok Verbatim Theatre Project

Year 10 explored Korean culture and identity through a verbatim theatre piece crafted from interviews with staff, families and students. This project helped students understand how authentic voices and lived experiences can be transformed into meaningful theatrical storytelling.

Student-Led Theatre

Martha and Mishaal (IB Theatre) recently created and performed a powerful original piece for Year 9, demonstrating initiative, thoughtful inquiry and the expressive potential of student-driven work.

Martha reflected on her creative process:

“I was able to have the freedom to create. I was never confined to one style or genre. I could explore and find what I enjoyed.”

IB and IGCSE Performance Assessments

Across both programmes, students refined performance technique, storytelling choices and critical reflection while preparing assessed portfolio pieces. These assessments form an essential bridge to future study pathways, giving students agency and independence in developing their artistic voice.

Drama Curriculum Pathways

Drama at Dulwich College Seoul offers a continuous learning journey from Middle School through IGCSE Drama and IB Theatre, each building upon the skills, imagination and confidence required for expressive communication.

The combined curriculum:

• encourages active engagement in theatre-making through devising, improvisation and ensemble work
• develops technical and imaginative skills in performance, direction and design
• deepens reflection through critical evaluation of performance and process
• fosters empathy, collaboration and social awareness
• supports students in exploring forms of theatre from different cultures, time periods and perspectives

As students progress towards IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, they take on increasing ownership of their creative inquiry. They learn to research, create, prepare, present and critically reflect, ultimately gaining a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world.

Mr Readman notes:

“Drama empowers students to investigate what makes us human, why we tell stories and how theatre can bring communities together. The work our students create, both in and outside the curriculum, shows the impact that authentic artistic expression can have.”

Student Reflections

Bea reflected on how Drama shaped her confidence:

“Taking part in school productions and the IGCSE Drama course not only helped me develop my skills as a performer, but also my confidence as a person. What I have learned in Drama continues to seep into my daily life whenever I present or express myself. It is an experience I am forever grateful for.”
Bea K (Year 12)

Mishaal highlighted the creative and reflective environment of Drama:

“Drama and Theatre at Dulwich College Seoul provide a kind and safe creative environment where you can be yourself and express your ideas in different ways. Drama helps us perceive the world artistically, see diverse perspectives and grapple with social dilemmas.”
Mishaal (Year 12)