On December 27th, a special performance took place in Daejeon: a French musical, titled 1789 Les Amants de la Bastill’, performed by the French Department students of Daejeon Foreign Language High School (DFLHS). This annual performance of a French musical originally began as a class project, but has developed into a sizable project for the entire department after ten years. As the general directors of the DFLHS French musical this year, let us introduce our musical and its educational aspects for the students’ part.

Oh Se-eun (Co-General Directors)

Lee Min-ju (Co-General Directors)

 1789 Les Amants de la Bastille translated into English as 1789 the Lovers of the Bastille  unfolds the story of two lovers in the time of the French Revolution in 1789. Each, a gouvernante or a tutor of royal children, and a farmer who lost his father by royal guards, noblewoman and commoner, they face conflicts and complexities in their relationship, which makes the plot captivating. Moreover, the musical is based on history and consists of actual revolutionary figures such as Camille Desmoulins and Maximilien Robespierre. This enables the students and the audience to gain a more profound understanding of French history.

 Students have prepared for the musical since March this year, and delved into full scale practice in December. Over 100 students of the French Department participated in the production, with each student contributing to the work in various sections like acting, directing, choreography, and sound. After plenty of rehearsals, they successfully brought the two-hour-long musical to the stage. The process was both challenging and worthwhile at the same time. For one thing, we directrices found it challenging to adjust the practice schedule with the students. The students themselves had difficulties in doing so, and and it led some of them to give up joining us. Nevertheless, they overcame all the difficulties and the experience of creating one musical together was more than valuable. Many students chose the last curtain call as their most memorable moments of the whole year, with which we can agree.

 The DFLHS French musical performance is a unique activity that cannot be found in any other high school or even in other majors at DFLHS. By performing the musical solely in French, the students can gain a deeper knowledge and communicating skills in written and spoken French. Moreover, it provides the students with cultural, social, and artistic experiences that are invaluable and unforgettable in their lifetime. The event also plays a significant role in the unity of the French Department students, as they have immense pride in their musical performance. For example, we all regard it as one of the best school activities at DFLHS. We hope ― and are confident ― that the French musical performace of DFLHS will continue to thrive in the years to come.