Year 10 and 11 Drama students recently attended the world premiere of Bennelong in London, written by award-winning playwright Jane Harrison, at the Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf Theatre.
The production tells the story of Woollarawarre Bennelong, exploring his experiences and the complex relationship between First Nations Australia and the British colonial project. Through two-hander performance, humour and powerful storytelling, the production invites audiences to consider Bennelong’s story from a deeply human perspective.
For IGS Drama students, attending live theatre is an important part of understanding the craft of theatre-making. Throughout the year, students experience a range of productions at professional venues, developing their ability to analyse the choices that bring a story to life. They consider production elements including set, costume, poster, lighting and sound design, alongside writing, storytelling, performance and acting.
Following each performance, students also have the opportunity to engage with actors and creative teams, asking questions about the process of developing and staging a production. These experiences allow students to connect the concepts they explore in Drama with the work of professional theatre-makers.
For Year 11 student Ivy W, the experience was particularly meaningful: “Bennelong in London was a captivating, emotional two-hander play that told the true story of Woollarawarre Bennelong through transformational acting, humour, and clever writing. As a student, I felt incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to hear this deeply moving First Nations story and to view the extraordinary performance of the cast.”
Claudine G also reflected on the production’s ability to balance confronting subject matter with moments of humour and intimacy: “Bennelong in London is a powerful, thought-provoking play that isn’t afraid of shying away from confronting the history and story of Bennelong, telling it with grace and respect for the source material. The range in acting from the two actors made for a compelling watch, with light-hearted banter seamlessly woven into emotional monologues.”
For IGS Drama students, excursions such as this provide an opportunity to experience theatre not only as an audience member, but as an emerging theatre-maker. By seeing professional productions, analysing creative choices and engaging with the people behind the work, students continue to develop their understanding of how stories are transformed from page to stage.
Thank you to Rita Morabito Director of Dramatic Arts for supporting and guiding students through this enriching theatre experience and for creating opportunities for them to engage with professional theatre and deepen their understanding of the craft.
