The Lambeth College Theatre at Clapham was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, as ESOL Entry Level 3 students took to the stage for a special one-off performance of The Pharaoh’s Curse – When Two Sisters Become One. The show played to a packed house of students and staff, delivering an unforgettable afternoon of drama, storytelling, and cultural exploration.
This captivating production was part of the students’ enrichment programme—an opportunity not only to develop creative confidence and teamwork, but also to reinforce their English language skills through live performance. Devised and performed entirely in English, the play gave learners a unique and practical way to build fluency, develop vocabulary, and gain confidence in public speaking.
The Power of Performance in Language Learning
Guided by staff including Ayesha Osborne, Amy Cook, and Mohamed Ali, the ESOL learners worked collaboratively to write, rehearse, and stage their own original play. Set in ancient Egypt, The Pharaoh’s Curse follows a dramatic tale of mystery and sisterhood, exploring what happens when two lives—and destinies—become one. The production gave students a powerful outlet to express ideas, experiment with the English language, and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Cast and Crew Shine On and Off Stage
The talented cast included performers such as Ayan Adan, Sandra Atalla, Alejandro Julian Garcia, Gabriela Diaz Zotamba, and many others who brought energy and emotion to their roles. Behind the scenes, fellow students ensured the production ran smoothly, managing everything from technical sound and lighting (Shamoy James, Shamar McIntyre, and Mohamed Ali) to backstage support (Afilope Coker).
Sandra Atalla and Gabriela Diaz Zotamba also led the design and visual storytelling elements, producing the show's striking poster and sourcing image references that helped bring the world of the play to life.
A Celebration of Creativity, Confidence, and Community
The performance was a true celebration of student creativity, language development, and cultural learning. Events like these highlight the transformative power of enrichment in education—particularly in ESOL programmes where real-world application can be such a valuable part of language acquisition.
Special thanks go to all contributors and supporters, including Yeva Bulanova and Hannah Lopez, who helped make the event a success.
Congratulations to the ESOL Entry Level 3 students for their outstanding work on The Pharaoh’s Curse—a production that not only entertained, but inspired.
