On the evening of December 7th, at 17:00, Shanghai High School's Blackbox Theater presented a splendid performance of the 2023 original math drama "The Starry Sky of Pythagoras". Simultaneously, through the live streaming platform, more people came to appreciate the charm of mathematics.

In this performance, students from Shanghai High School International Division interpreted the famous words of Mr. Kepler in the form of a drama: "Geometry has two great treasures: one is the theorem of Pythagoras, the other the division of a line into extreme and mean ratio. The first we may compare to a mass of gold, the second we may call a precious jewel." The students, on stage, elaborated on the origin and proof of the Pythagorean theorem, as well as the exploration of the golden ratio, transcending time and space, and encountering mathematical sages from both the East and the West.

During the performance, the students, with their immersive acting, guided the audience into the world of wisdom inspired by Euclid, Zhao Shuang, Viète, and other great mathematicians. The Mathematics Drama Troupe used creative and amusing plot designs to make rigorous mathematical reasoning lively and vivid, allowing the audience to feel the charm of mathematics amidst a joyful atmosphere.

After the performance, Mr. Ma Feng, Principal of SHSID High School Section, highly praised the hard work of the students and teachers over the past few months. He praised the students' performance from stage performance to scriptwriting and art design. He also shared his observations on the students' all-around growth during the rehearsal process of the play. He expressed his hope that the school's math drama troupe could go further and better, contributing more wonderful interpretations to the popularization of math and the cultural dissemination in contemporary China through an international perspective.

Professor Fan Lianghuo, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Chinese Society of Mathematical Education, delivered the closing speech. He expressed gratitude to all those involved in the performance and the audience who watched both online and offline. He also expressed special thanks to the distinguished guest, Professor Liu Pan, the founder of the Math Drama at East China Normal University. Professor Liu Pan and his young team from the School of Mathematical Sciences at East China Normal University have been dedicated to the creation and practice of math dramas since 2012. They have been committed to spreading mathematical culture and have successfully staged more than 10 math dramas to date. He believes that abstract mathematics can be made tangible through the art form of drama which in turn helps students overcome their fear of difficult math. This will enable more students to get closer to and understand mathematics, and while gaining mathematical knowledge, they can also further appreciate the allure of mathematical culture.

The successful annual staging of the math drama not only allows students to acquire knowledge, enhance their abilities, and gain insights into life through active participation but also highlights the innovative spirit in mathematical education at Shanghai High School. Through "learning in the play" and "learning through play", it showcases the boundless potential of the students. At the same time, this also signifies the widespread dissemination and profound impact of mathematical culture within the school. For the time being, that’s a wrap - until next year’s wonderful math drama!

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Students' Reflections:

I love Math drama - not only because of the performance itself, but the team spirit and the meaningful experience. There were problems and conflicts, but we encountered these difficulties together. Although the process was tough, we worked together as a team and our performance was improved through advice and criticism. The final performance was the achievement of days of practice and many late nights. However, while performing on the stage, I felt full of passion because I was presenting incredible things - the lectures given by the director and drama teachers, the marvelous accomplishments of the mathematicians, and another self who had an extraordinary adventure in the field of mathematics. In the end, I hope Math drama can move on, I hope the team spirit lasts forever, and I hope everyone is happy forever!

Arianna 10 (4)

I am quite certain that the Math drama has brought me the most joy in the recent months. The experience was absolutely enlightening. What the play bestowed upon me is not limited to a sense of accomplishment and happiness, but also the strengthening of bonds with my friends and the making of new friends. What I surmounted during my journey was not only my fear of socializing, but also the barriers between me and potential friends that I never thought of reaching out to. I am particularly glad and grateful that I was chosen to be a representative character in the math play and of the school.

Di Jun 10 (5)

From 2022 to 2023, from The Elements to Euclid, from an actor to a director, Math drama has brought me many unforgettable experiences and emotions. I’m proud of everyone on the team for making this successful one-hour play. I especially want to thank all the actors - their participation and love towards this project made all these dreams come true. I also want to thank all the teachers and students who have helped me along the way - it is their guidance and suggestions that make the play more complete.

James 11 (10)

This is a very special and unique drama experience for me. I've participated in a lot of plays, but I’ve never done a show with elements of math. At first I thought everything would be very boring, but when I actually started cooperating with everyone, everything seems so interesting! Math drama not only gave me another chance to perform on stage, but also allowed me to get to know so many more friends, and that's the happiest thing that I learned from it.

Ricky 9 (1)

One hour of performing felt so short once it actually began, and I still feel myself replaying the mere four lines I had in my head. This was a very new experience and there’s so much more to it than just the one hour today. We’ve come a long way. From four people we became fifteen. From thirty slides we made a hundred. From no costumes we went to full costumes. I’m so happy to have worked with everyone for this project, the value of it is beyond what words can describe.

Momoka 11 (4)

I think this play was really meaningful. The combination of math, a STEM course, and drama, an arts course, is a super unique concept that won everybody's liking. We spent a lot of time preparing for this one final perfect performance, and it was all worth it. Everybody's role was important; without them, none of this would have been possible. I would really like to thank James for directing us and helping us with our blocking and projection. This was a really fun experience and I am looking forward to more Math drama productions in the future!

Helen 9 (1)

As the sound of clapping diminishes on the stage for one last time today, all emotions piled up inside me as I became more than just fascinated by the first drama I took part in. The unity, the actors and friends, the enjoyment, the passion, the script… even though I am a minor character, today’s show on “The Starry Sky of Pythagorus” will never leave my memory.

Enos 9 (4)

The Math drama was an exciting journey for me. I can still vividly remember all the moments of lunchtime and after-school practice. Although I had to give up a lot of the time for this play, I enjoyed the final moments of practice and the sense of teamwork that gradually developed among the actors. When I was on the stage, holding the circle that embodied my discoveries, I felt that all the hard work was worth it. Salute!

Arden 10 (3)

Participating in the Math drama show was an extraordinary experience, and honestly, I can't recall why I joined. Being consistent with the rehearsals despite persistent sickness made it challenging. Surprisingly, I believe I've grown since last year. A teacher's compliment after the performance made me realize that I had gained a lot and improved, and that every struggle was worthwhile. The experience was undeniably rewarding.

Eva 10 (11)

After so long, we have finally put on the show. For the first time, I am participating in a drama, and everybody has worked really hard and tried to help me -- the results turned out fantastic. Overall, I got to meet and improve my acting skills with professors and directors, which is really cool. During the whole process, I have learned a lot, including having good time management and staying in constant communication with my lovely team. I hold lots of gratitude towards our director James and my fellow friends Fei and Xi, who have given me so much support and help.

Alvin 10 (5)

When I saw the full performance, I was so impressed, and Arianna, Dijun, and James’ performances were more than awesome. I was really nervous when I messed up the mic exchange and got to my spot slightly late as my scene started. However, I stepped up when I had the spotlight, slowly shouting every word of my lines at the audience in fear of them not hearing me, and then the nervousness went away. I was Thomas Hobbes again -- old, logical, and crazy for geometry like a kid -- just like in the rehearsals.

Beeno 10 (11)

感谢华师大，中国数学会，和许多老师们对剧组的鼎力帮助！感谢学校给我这个机会来塑造phi!

通过这次“一生一次的旅途，如梦如幻的经历”，我领略了数学之美，也感受到了幕后组织的不易。

Melinda 10 (10)

(Written by SHSID High School Math Group Pictures by SHSID High School School Affairs Office)