Year 12 Drama
The Year 12 Drama class had their HSC practical assessments on Thursday, 5 September and the talent that these young people displayed was incredible. They began with their group performance entitled ‘A Traditional Family.’ It is a linear story (which is quite unusual for a Group Project) about a family who are moments away from leaving for their annual road trip to Toowoomba. The car is ready, the bags are packed - and there’s only space for one or two more items in the cramped car! Will they be taking Paige’s second favourite knife ‘Sheila’, Ron’s ‘Grow Your Own Crystal Kit’, Randell’s cat Oliver’s ashes, Daryl’s generator, or Aunt Rita’s childhood music box? The conflict unfolds until everyone is shouting and screaming, and Aunt Rita accidentally lets a family secret slip – she’s not Randell’s sister, she’s his mum. They all acted with high energy and full focus, wowing the external assessors with their professional and polished performance.
Then, The Individual Performances commenced. Natasha S’s monologue ‘A Teaching Problem’ was about a principal who, is speaking with the parents of a troublesome student, admits she throttled him in his sleep and cremated him in a frenzy with the rest of the student body. However, she has the ashes in a biscuit tin, if the parents would like to take him home; with a full refund of the school fees, of course! Natasha used dynamic voice and movement to create character and was a very entertaining storyteller.
Second was Bailey H, whose character in ‘This Uncharted Hour’ is on his way to visit his brother’s graveside, however, on the way has hit a dog with his car. He details the moments before, during, and after hitting the dog – explaining that he picked it up, and tried to find the owner, but was being judged harshly by the public, so instead left the animal by a rubbish bin. Bailey performed with nuance and subtlety, with realistic use of breath and vocal control.
Third performer was Daniel C, with his rendition of Carmy from the TV show ‘The Bear.’ Carmy is making a Ruben sandwich, while he tells a new employee about his brother’s addiction, and how it pushed Carmy away from the family restaurant. He went and worked for the best kitchens in the world, became a renowned chef with three Michelin stars… all he ever wanted was his brother’s approval; but he never received it, because his brother died. Daniel’s performance was captivating, blending depth of character and believability.
Fourth was Liam B who performed a monologue from the TV show ‘Baby Reindeer.’ In this monologue, the character Donny begins a stand-up routine, before he realises that the audience are not laughing; at which point he breaks down, and divulges his deepest, darkest secrets to a room full of strangers. Liam showcased raw emotion with a very powerful delivery, affecting the audience with his authenticity.
Finally, and receiving an ONSTAGE NOMINATION was Helena P performing as Emma the Greek. This is a monologue of a 19-year-old girl from Norfolk Island, who grew up fishing with her father and two brothers. She tells the story of her father’s strength and kindness, and of her two brothers’ passing on the fishing trawler. She makes the decision to remain on the vessel for the rest of her days, as she is afraid that she is cursed, and if she touches the shore, her already unwell father will die, just like her brothers Paddy and Ullie. Helena is softly captivating in her use of voice and delicate movement, moving the audience to tears with her performance.
We are so proud of the Year 12 Drama class on their dedication to their performances; they gave their blood, sweat and tears to their HSC Practical Examination and should be celebrated on their success.
