Drama News
The Rabble's My Dearworthy Darling @ the Malthouse
Years 10 and 11 Drama excursion
by Kate Ellis, Years 7-11 Drama and Theatre teacher
Year 10 Drama and Year 11 Theatre students had a combined excursion to the Malthouse Theatre on the evening of Tuesday 13 August. We (together with Emily Nancarrow who joined us, many thanks!) went to see My Dearworthy Darling by renowned contemporary theatre company, The Rabble.
Written by award-winning poet and novelist Alison Croggon (a bonus for Year 10 students who are currently studying poetry in Language and Literature), the play is set "... across two times and places (contemporary Australia and medieval England)". It was "... inspired by the autobiography of an illiterate woman, the medieval mystic Margery Kempe (in an attempt) to help us hear women’s voices by making them strange, asking us to listen across time and idiom."
Year 10 Drama students are currently studying Non-Naturalism through the lens of a solo performance and Year 11 Theatre students are moving into The Director's Notebook task which asks them to study a play (its context as much as themes) and direct a moment using the skills they have learned in class. The play was followed by a Q & A which provided both year levels with an opportunity to speak with a member of The Rabble, the playwright and cast about their processes and choices. Here students were able to make the link to processes they undertake in the Drama classroom at Preshil, as well as get some inspiration around set and costume in a more symbolic, contemporary way.
Emily and I (alongside the adult audience) were flawed by the nature of the questions asked by our students during the Q & A. They were articulate and showcased their insightful thought processes during the performance.
Proud teacher!
Please follow the link below for a review of the play. It is currently on at Malthouse Theatre.