Ian Ruskin Performing as Thomas Paine and Nikola Tesla

Following his performance before our 1ère students last year, scholar, writer, and actor Ian Ruskin once again engaged our lycée students in an exploration of history and thought, delving into the lives and contributions of two influential but overlooked historical figures: philosopher and Founding Father Thomas Paine and inventor Nikola Tesla.

On Wednesday, 12 November, Ruskin presented his play, To Begin the World Over Again: The Life of Thomas Paine, to students in 1ère and Te SIA. His performance offered valuable insight into Thomas Paine's influential ideas, which played a significant role in shaping the American Revolution.

The next day, students from the 2nde F/A and SIA classes learned about Nikola Tesla, an inventor historically overlooked despite his groundbreaking work on the Tesla Coil, Shadowgraph, radio, induction motor, alternating current, and more. Only recently have physicists, electrical engineers, inventors, steampunk enthusiasts, and academics begun to widely acknowledge him as one of the greatest geniuses in history.

Ian is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He has written, performed and produced many plays as well as radio and film documentaries. He resides in California, USA.

The performance was made possible thanks to the generosity of ALFA, PSAB and FSE.

“Snow White Goes to Hollywood” – A Delightful Introduction to English Through Theatre

On Monday, 28 April, 2025, the 5e and 6e students had the joy of attending Snow White Goes to Hollywood, a musical comedy presented entirely in English by the talented Compagnie Oz. After the success of The Beauty and The Beast, a Musical last year expectations were high — and they were not disappointed.

The show featured the delightful return of Big and Little, two lovable dreamers who this time set their sights on the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Their journey took the audience through legendary studios, flashy boulevards, and even some unexpected encounters with fairy-tale characters like Snow White and Goldilocks — but with a hilarious twist!

The performance was bursting with energy, humor, and catchy jazzy songs that had the students tapping their feet and laughing along. The clever mix of classic fairy tales and modern showbiz made the play accessible, even for those just beginning to learn English. Big and Little’s engaging storytelling helped students follow along easily and encouraged them to listen actively.

The 45-minute performance was followed by a short, interactive Q&A session where students could ask questions in English and share their impressions. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to use their language skills in a real context and grow more confident.

Snow White Goes to Hollywood was not only a cultural treat but also a fun and memorable way to reinforce English learning. We thank the Compagnie Oz for bringing this entertaining experience to our school. We’re already looking forward to their next production!