Theatre Studies

Shakespeare Festival

On Wednesday the 30th of April it was the night of the annual Shakespeare Festival!

It featured two awesome performances featuring the Year 9’s Midsummer Players Dream and the 10/11’s performance of Twelfth Night. 

The Year 9 play featured 3 mini plays as it was a shorter take on the original A Midsummer Night's Dream. The plays were: Pyramus and Thisbe, a tragic love story ending in a double suicide. The Battle Of The Centaurs, a tale of a brave knight facing off against a centaur who was full of bravado as well as Callidora a nymph who helped save the day with her magical confetti. The Bacchanal Ruckus, featuring the god of wine Bucchus, as well as their drunk minions as they attempted to “Tear apart” Thrasus. And finally, the show ended in a choreographed dance to Party in the USA, performed once at normal speed and then again at two times speed (otherwise known as chipmunk speed)!

As part of the annual Shakespeare Fest, the combined Year 10 and 11 class presented a vibrant and entertaining production of Twelfth Night, accompanied by the Year 10 band to add life to the show with music. Students brought the classic comedy to life with energy, creativity, and a strong sense of ensemble. From the witty wordplay to the unforgettable characters, the production was a testament to their hard work, collaboration, and growing theatrical talent. A big congratulations to all involved for delivering a memorable show that captured the spirit of Shakespeare's timeless play! 

Particularly memorable moments included: 

• Malvolio's confession of love to Olivia while clad in yellow stockings.
• The dance numbers, from contemporary style waves, to a fun party scene set to Burning Down the House, to a “Transition Dance” (how we swapped over our split cast), and even a wedding dance, were all immensely creative. Choreographers Millie, Lucas and Sam deserve a major shout out.
• The abstract dancing of the waves combined with the guttural screams of Viola (Wren) and Sebastian (Lucas) created a very grounding, emotional mood which was a contrast to the rest of the show.
• The fight between Sir Andrew and “Cesario” (Viola in disguise) exemplified the goofy, farcical nature of the play - while bringing into the modern day with the score of kung fu fighting. Massive kudos to directors Jasper and Cam for bringing some hysterical fight choreography.
• The comedic timing of the Malvolio letter scene was not just funny but also playful.
• The ‘Mawwiage’ scene performed by Jaspar was such a funny moment that referenced the beloved movie The Princess Bride and which the audience loved!

Year 12 Theatre Production

Year 12 Theatre Studies presented The Importance of Being Earnest in May, an immersive piece with the audience seated at cafe tables and the actors moving around them in performance. This was a huge amount of work for the students involved who were the actors, directors, and designed all areas of production and they presented a  show that was funny, delightful and engaging. A huge congratulations to all involved and a massive thank you to the Little Yarra Creperie for hosting us - the audience being able to enjoy crepes and coffees added to the evening’s charm!