MLC School’s Wakakirri Success with Barbie-coded to Break

On Tuesday 18 August, more than 100 students from Year 7 to Year 12 took to the stage at Riverside Theatres Parramatta to present MLC School’s 2026 Wakakirri story-dance, Barbie-coded to Break.

Accessed through the iconic figure of Barbie, the production explored the tension between empowerment and expectation for women in contemporary society. While Barbie has long symbolised a world where women can be anything, Barbie-coded to Break challenged audiences to consider the pressures that often accompany those opportunities. The performance examined how a society that celebrates women’s achievements can simultaneously expect them to be everything at once, often overlooking the invisible ‘load’ of motherhood… and laundry.

Inspired by MLC School’s She Can ethos, the work encouraged students to be fearless thinkers and agents of change. Through a powerful combination of dance, drama and storytelling, students advocated not only for themselves but for women more broadly, critically exploring how systems and societal expectations continue to shape identity and place unsustainable demands on women’s lives. At its heart, the production championed a simple but powerful message: women are capable of anything and deserve a world that lifts, supports and shares the weight they carry.

The performance resonated strongly with audiences and adjudicators alike, receiving five Wakakirri awards:

‘A striking exploration of women balancing opportunity, expectation and identity.’ He praised the production’s polished choreography, strong visual impact, compelling storytelling and the energy and athleticism of the performers. Reflecting on the message at the heart of the piece, he noted that there was ‘such a strong sense of “she can” and they absolutely did.’

These achievements are a testament to the dedication, creativity and collaboration of the students and staff involved. Through Barbie-coded to Break, MLC School not only delivered an award-winning performance but also used the performing arts as a platform for meaningful social commentary, bringing the spirit of ‘She Can’ to life and inspiring audiences to reflect on the expectations placed on women today.

– Jenna Skepper
Dance Coordinator