Scotch College

A great Tale of Two Cities

The annual Scotch Senior Play, was staged in conjunction with St Catherine's on 7,8,9 August, at the Stonnington Theatre.

This year's production was a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set during the French Revolution.

One of the greatest challenges in staging this complex story was the juxtaposition of parallel events in Paris and London. This was achieved by creating a movable set in three large sections, which transformed, scene by scene, as the intricate plot unfolded.

So adaptable was the design, that the central section of the stage was initially a gloomy upstairs attic, then the deck of a ship (complete with mast, sails, ships wheel and lantern), next the jail cell at La Force prison, and finally we saw it as the Bastille itself.

The production took several months to rehearse with actors working with the director, Mr Ritchie, for many hours after school and each Sunday.

On the night, the twenty six actors were complemented by an equal number of boys and girls, working in the various stage crews, who had gained new skills building the sets and becoming competent in other areas such as scenic art and stage management.

During performances, the students ran the show, without staff intervention, in a most professional way. This philosophy of total student operation impels students into taking responsibility for, and developing a tremendous sense of 'owning' their show.

The production was fast, dramatic and poignant, and by succeeding in recreating the passion and turmoil of the period, it was a triumph for all involved.