MS Students Shine at ISTA Signature Festival in Italy

Eighteen ISK students traveled to Siracusa, Italy, from November 13 to 16 for the ISTA Signature Festival—an unforgettable experience filled with art, history, and creative collaboration. Set within the iconic Castello Maniace on the island of Ortigia, students immersed themselves in story-based inquiry, learning through the dramatic corridors, sea-facing arches, and rich history tied to Fredrik II. Working alongside peers from five schools and guided by three international artists, students devised an original theatre piece rooted in ISTA values of Collaboration, Creativity, and Connection, later performing it for local residents, tourists, artists, and historians.

Beyond the stage, students immersed themselves in Sicilian culture through dance lessons, local cuisine, and walks through the historic Piazza Duomo.

Our teacher chaperones, Meghna Gandhi and Michael Waugh, also gained from the experience, attending a professional development workshop by Ms. Daphne Said on devised theatre processes and connecting with ISTA artists, including Desta Haile, Matilde, and Pete Harris Lindop. For Ms. Meghna, exploring how students create theatre from their own values and lived experiences reaffirmed the power of devised work in strengthening collaboration, ownership, and creativity back in the classroom. A big thank you to Meghna and Michael for leading and supporting our students on this meaningful artistic journey.