The Performing Arts department ended their performance season in style with a high quality production of ‘Our Country’s Good’. The production told the true story of the first fleet of convicts transported to Australia to establish a military colony led by Governor Arthur Philip. The play presented a debate between punishment and reformation.

 

Second Lieutenant Clark attempts to educate the convicts by putting on George Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer to the disgruntlement of Major Robbie Ross and other traditionalists. They succeed and in the face of hardship and brutality, achieve something very special.

 

 

 

The production had a representational set, with crates used for multiple purposes; to signify a rowing boat or prison.  The stage was flooded with sand and a gigantic projection screen upstage presented each scene title, to set the scene and enforce the episodic and political nature of the play. Dressing the set were eighteenth century costumes that really pinpointed the location and time period of the play.  The audiences were astounded at the talent that they witnessed on stage and said “It was so professional and slick, an electrifying performance”

Much praise was given to Oliver Vibrans, a very gifted AS music student who composed an entire score for the production for Violin and Cello, as well as an aboriginal requiem mass. Mr D Price, director of the production and head of performing arts commented “this was such a special project, it is very rare to be able to work alongside a composer for a show and it has been a privilege to ensure that the actor’s performances and production lived up to the accompanying score”.

 

The performing arts department has had a very busy and exciting year and is delighted to announce that the college musical in December 2012 will be ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

 

See you all there!