STUDENTS from St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie (SCAS) and St Paul’s College in Kempsey have shone at the finals of the statewide Shakespeare Carnival.
They competed against 20 other schools at Sydney’s Seymour Centre on 1 June.
The event was run by the acclaimed Sport for Jove Theatre Company.
“It featured intensive workshops and performances that pushed every participant to new heights,” said SCAS’ Director of Performing Arts Isabella Mistry.
SCAS students were successful in a number of categories.
They won the Smartphone Short Film category with “Taming of the Shrew”.
The judges were captivated by the creativity, technical finesse and bold storytelling of filmmakers Xavier Yates and Charlie Finnecy.
The composition “Dead and Gone”, inspired by “Hamlet”, earned second place in the Music category.
Composer and performer Minnie Yonge was accompanied by Zaza Semchyshyn, Kira Mistry, Angelina McRae, and Charlie Finnecy, with the piece praised for its emotional depth and sophisticated interpretation of Shakespeare’s themes.
The school’s finalists also included Bronte Hollins and Summer Hodgkin in the Duologue category, performing “Twelfth Night”.
“Bravo to all our performers,” Ms Mistry said, “you’ve made your mark on the state stage and beyond.”
The students from St Paul’s also enjoyed success.
Kaitlyn Chadwick, Sam Farrell and Gracie Campbell were runners-up for their Group Devised piece, inspired by the witches of “Macbeth”.
“Their ‘witchy’ performance was captivating and hilarious as they manipulated Macbeth to murder,” drama teacher Amanda Jordan said.
Ms Mistry added, “It is a joy to connect with Amanda and her students and I look forward to future drama collaborations with St Paul’s College.”
By Pauline CAIN
