Scotch College

Energy, humour and pathos to the fore in drama productions

Words: OPHELIA HOPKINS

In term three, we enjoyed two major productions in the McComas Theatre, featuring outstanding performances by the boys and girls from Scotch and PLC in both of these colourful and extroverted productions.

‘Second Childhood’ was performed by Year 7 and 8 students with great energy and humour. A two-dimensional set with loud, cartoon-inspired scenic artwork set the atmosphere for a story about a group of schoolchildren and the life lessons confronted, as they research information for school projects. The underlying themes of social responsibility and caring for the planet were evident, though not allowed to dominate the natural effervescence of the lively, well-drilled cast.

‘Pippin’ was an ambitious musical production using every theatrical effect and piece of stage mechanism available in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre. Complex sets flew and rolled in abundance. One in particular unfolded as it flew down only to reveal itself at stage level as the three-dimensional medieval battle tent of Charles the Great.

This was a show of great complexity and humour, but it was not without its pathos. The main character, Pippin, learns that truth and greatness do not easily co-exist. At each turn, he is tempted to deviate from his quest by the Leading Player who coerces him without mercy. Pippin participates, unaware that the performance is a contrived and very public trick – a ruse to cajole him into performing for the public pleasure in ‘The Grand Finale’, an insidious climax to this showy theatrical antic.

These themes were not lost on the talented cast, who performed the exacting choreography with absolute precision under towering sets and atmospheric lights and effects. During the finale, all these showy devices are removed one by one, to create one of the most sinister and anti-climactic moments in all music theatre. GS