SENIOR SCHOOL
Drama
DNA by Dennis Kelly
Year 12 Drama production
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiN™
Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Pty Ltd.
Directed by Miles Openshaw
The Year 12 Drama production this year was a challenging
play that focused on a group of teenagers who make poor
decisions after bullying a fellow student. DNA by Dennis Kelly
and directed by Miles Openshaw was a successful production
showcasing the outstanding performance strengths of the
Year 12 Drama class as well Year 10 and 11 Drama students.
Under the guidance and expert direction of Miles Openshaw
and assistant Selinna Forward, the cast worked hard to
bring this play to life and honour the playwright’s intention
and uncomfortable subject matter. The cast inhabited
their characters and their inner difficulties with insight and
non-judgement, finding psychological truthfulness and
openness in performance.
The play highlights the insidious nature of bullying and its
pervasiveness in western culture. It is an unacceptable behaviour at
any level, regardless of age, culture, status, gender, or background
and so it is important that we all make a stand against negative
attitudes and behaviours towards others. As the rehearsals developed
the significance of us all consciously building positive, respectful
relationships and communication with all who we encounter became
more and more apparent.
As the Director Miles Openshaw stated in the program notes:
“This short, compelling play pulls sharply into focus the complex
nature of disaffection, the extreme effects of bullying and the power
of peer pressure.
The play questions what responsibilities we have to society and to
each other in situations where our morals are challenged; it warns us
of the consequences of shutting ourselves off from the outside world;
of allowing the will of the group to overwhelm the rights of the
individual and the dangers of having blind faith in a leader.”
18
This talented cast were: Andre Giambazi (12Sc), Scott Piper (12He),
James Ford (12St), Nicholas Wright (12Wb), Christopher Cowcher
(12Ha), Jack Connor (11He), Luke Osborne (11Be), Charlize
Gosnell (11Fr), Tia McKenzie (11Wb), Portia Harding (11Ha),
Jackson McBride (10Be).
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Senior Drama Production 2018
Romeo and Juliet is without a doubt the most famous love story in the
western world, telling the story of two star crossed lovers who meet
and fall crazily in love with each other and tragically die, bringing their
feuding families to their knees and forcing them to finally resolve their
dissent. At its heart it is a story of the power of love and a distilled
reminder of the folly of human conflict. The cast has been drawn from
Guildford Grammar School, Perth College and Chisolm College and
will be presented in the David Lawe Davies Centre, from Wednesday 8
August - Saturday 11 August at 7.30pm. Keep an eye on our website
and social media accounts for further details!.
Ms Jane Diamond
Head of Drama and Art Faculty