MID North Coast students are being offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Shakespeare.
The Surry Hills-based Sport for Jove Theatre Company has been encouraging students across NSW and the ACT to create work inspired by William Shakespeare for the past nine years.
Students are supported to direct short films, compose music, choreograph movement and dance, and act in short scenes.
Both St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie and St Paul’s College in Kempsey recently held their own Shakespeare-inspired school carnivals, with students bringing Shakespeare stories to life in a variety of creative formats.
The best performers from the school events are competing at a Regional Shakespeare Carnival at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Armidale this week.
Once students progress past the regional festival, they have the opportunity to work with professional artists and perform their pieces at the Seymour Centre in Sydney.
Director of Performing Arts at St Columba Anglican School, Isabella Mistry said, “Twenty-six students from our Peak Performing Arts Academy competed this year.
“They will all travel to Armidale to support the winning students.”
The following St Columba students were winners in the school carnival:
Dance: Violet Murnain and Angelina McRae;
Physical Theatre: Marlie Lawrence and Imogen Newstead;
Duologue: Bronte Hollins and Summer Hodgkin;
Group Devised Scene: Zayna Chauhan, Eva Hammond, Madi Hopley, Finn Russell-Cargill and Sam Moore;
Music Composition: Minnie Yonge (composer) with Zaza Semchyshyn, Kira Mistry, Angelina McRae and Charlie Finnecy.
Smart Film: Charlie Finnecy and Xavier Yates.
St Columba student Kira Mistry said she was looking forward to the regional carnival.
“I have made friends from other schools and we get to see each other again!” she said.
“Minnie’s composition called ‘Dead and Gone’ is layered with rich harmonies and lyrics.”
Drama teacher at St Paul’s College, Amanda Jordan said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for students, who love the competition and the chance to extend their skills with industry professionals.
“I couldn’t be more proud.
“We certainly have some incredible talent on the Mid North Coast.”
The following St Paul’s students were winners in the school carnival:
Duologue: Eva Lemanski and Eli Baywood;
Ensemble: Jessica Preston, Ruby Sproule and OIivia Rafton;
Group Devised: Gracie Campbell, Kaitlyn Chadwick and Sam Farrell.
By Pauline CAIN
