Drama News
It has been an exciting week in the SCEGGS Drama Department! Read about:
- Inter-House Drama
- Casting for our first production, Girl Asleep
- SCEGGS girls performing in Shrek and Catch me if you can with other schools
- Theatre Sports
- Why ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre is bad luck
Inter-House Drama
Our annually anticipated day of theatrical and thespian expression took place last Thursday, 5 March, when Inter-House Drama took over the Great Hall for a thoroughly entertaining day of House plays.
The Houses were challenged with using a famous art work to inspire a narrative the students would write, produce, direct, design and perform. Our students never cease to impress with their creative accomplishments with only a month to construct. The event is a concentrated activity which builds impressive collaboration, resilience, imagination and problem-solving; while also immersing new students into the student body.
As always, an esteemed panel of adjudicators presided over the performances. We were delighted to host playwright Melanie Tait, actor Deborah Kennedy and theatre reviewer Diana Simmonds.
Congratulations to Beck House who were the winners on the day with their vivid and dynamic interpretation of the painting Stanczyk during a ball at the court of Queen Bona in the face of the loss of Smolensk by Jan Matejko 1862.
Drama Captain Frances O’Donnell (Year 12) hosted the day, alongside drama student Nancy Newton (Year 12) and were outstanding in steering the event.
Among the highlights on the day was the presence of international stage and screen actor Toni Collette who was our special guest. She participated in an insightful Q&A session for the students, offering wonderful advice and experience as an actor.
Bravo to all Houses for excellent contributions to the day. And thank you to the staff who assisted the girls in arriving at such inspired theatrical endeavours.
Girl Asleep
Auditions for SCEGGS first production for the year, Girl Asleep, were conducted last Sunday in St Peter’s Playhouse.
Director Poppy Lynch auditioned 35 students from Years 7 to 11 for roles in this engaging play by Matthew Whittet.
Casting was announced on Monday:
- Greta – Sarah Jenkins (Year 9)
- Elliott and Serge Gainsbough – Asha Meagher (Year 9)
- Jade – Zara Anderson (Year 9)
- Umber – Charlotte Self (Year 11)
- Finn Greta –Grace Katekar (Year 8)
- Firebird and Genevive – Alexandra Millin (Year 8)
- Queen and Janet – Josephine Grayden (Year 11)
- Goblin and Conrad – Perri Lawrence (Year 10)
- Denise Mackel – Nina Fitzgerald (Year 8)
- Little Greta and Crone – Amelie Officer (Year 7)
The Dream Catchers
- Tia Mavritsakis (Year 9)
- Eloise Switajewski (Year 7)
- Helena Squires (Year 9)
- Josephine Wheater (Year 10)
- Alannah Morris (Year 8)
Congratulations!
The production plays in Term 2, from Wednesday, 17 June to Saturday, 20 June.
Shrek
Congratulations to SCEGGS actors, Sage Collette-Galafassi (Year 12), Tilly Murphy (Year 12), Reina Steiner Carrion (Year 9), and Matilda Naik (Year 9) for their terrific work in the Newington production of Shrek. The girls have been in rehearsal for the show since September 2025. It is a huge commitment, but one that rewards profoundly as they have made new friends, navigated a great show and learned wonderful new skills.
Catch me if you can
Sydney Grammar is currently in rehearsal for their musical production, Catch me if you can.
SCEGGS students Katerina Giannikouris (Year 11) and Olive O’Keefe (Year 10) have been cast in the production.
Showtime is Week 1 in Term 2.
Theatre Sports
We have commenced a theatre sports class on Friday afternoons during Semester 1. Students are being prepared for a competition friendly with neighbouring schools during Term 2.
We welcome new participants, so if you’d like to join, please contact Mr Colyer in the Drama Department.
Did you know?
Saying ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre is bad luck!
If you’ve ever spent time with an actor or theatre maker, you’ll know that saying ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre, unless you’re performing or rehearsing the tragedy, is bad luck, as it is believed to be deeply cursed. Instead, actors call it ‘The Scottish Play.’ According to legend, the actor playing Lady Macbeth in the first-ever performance of the play died suddenly, meaning Shakespeare himself had to play the role. In one performance, a real dagger was used instead of a prop, killing the actor. There were also audience riots at productions in 1721, 1772 and 1849, the latter allegedly leaving 22 dead. Probably best to play it safe and stick to ‘The Scottish Play’ inside theatres.
Peter Eyers
Head of Drama
