The College’s Drama Department displayed a depth of talent and creativity with the highly anticipated Play Series performances. Over three weeks, five classes of drama students delivered five captivating plays, leaving each new audience with a thoughtful takeaway. 

Opening night began with the Year 11 students presenting two thought-provoking plays: Heavenly Bodies by Kerry Lynch and 10 Ways to Survive the End of the World by Don Zolidis. Heavenly Bodies delved into the lives of three Fates who, upon realising they had lost touch with their playful nature, meddled in an unfortunate Kiwi couple’s love story. The play’s whimsical storytelling and charming narrative captivated the audience. On the other hand, 10 Ways to Survive the End of the World offered a humorous yet insightful take on humanity’s ability to navigate unprecedented events. Transporting the audience back in time, the play urged them to acknowledge life’s unpredictability and see the comical side of how we create solutions to unforeseen events.  

The Year 12 classes took the stage the following week with two distinct plays. Musical Differences by Robin French centred around a young guitar player’s journey of self-discovery, delving into familiar themes of individuality and resilience during adolescence. The play’s poignant ending left spectators in contemplation, appreciating the complexities of growing up. Meanwhile, Ophelia Thinks Harder by Jean Betts challenged traditional theatre narratives, particularly in works like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in which the female characters are supplementary. This empowering reimagining of Ophelia’s story sheds light on her experiences, giving a new perspective to one of Shakespeare’s classic tragedies.

The pinnacle of the Play Series was reached with the Year 13 students’ performance of Love and Information by Caryl Churchill. The play masterfully weaved a mosaic of scenes, capturing the intricacies of human connections and our profound need for intimacy and love. The diverse range of relatable interactions left many audience members with a ‘that’s happened to me’ moment. Consequently, showing how much in common we do share.

Throughout the Play Series, the drama students demonstrated exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication, bringing many emotions and themes to life. Their commitment to their craft was evident in every performance, and their passion on stage was infectious, captivating all fortunate enough to witness their artistry.

Congratulations to all the drama students and their dedicated teachers for another successful Play Series that will be remembered for years to come. Thank you to the teachers who’ve poured hours into the students and the production team behind the scenes. The stage is set, and the future of drama at the College is undoubtedly bright.

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