It was with minimal time and maximum effort that the Year 9 students took on the substantial task of performing an abridged version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet this term. Initially the students nominated their preference for one of three groups — performer, set/stage design, or costume design, with some additional roles as director, stage manager, sound and lighting operators and even a fight choreographer! Once the groups were formed, they were each allocated a teacher, which was a welcome and novel experience for staff and students alike, providing an opportunity to mix up the class groups.

After the performers auditioned, the roles were cast and designing and rehearsals began in earnest. Cast and crew had a mere two-and-a-half weeks to go from page to stage and, with nine scenes, 21 performers to costume, and 40 minutes of dialogue, this was no mean feat. We are proud to say the students pulled off a spectacular performance and had a great time doing it — a celebration of synergy and team work. The sense of camaraderie among the students has been palpable since the performance which brought them out of their comfort zones, and closer to one another in the process.

James Grant
Year 9 English Teacher