At the beginning of October, our Year 13 Drama students had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre on a trip to London. The highlight of the visit was a live performance of their set text, Our Country’s Good, at the Lyric Hammersmith. Seeing the play brought to life on stage offered the students a new depth of understanding, helping them to fully grasp the themes and dramatic techniques they’ve been studying.

In addition to watching the powerful production, students participated in an insightful Q&A session with the assistant director. This unique opportunity provided them with invaluable behind-the-scenes insights into the creative decisions and interpretations that shape a performance. The experience will no doubt aid them in formulating stronger ideas and essay responses as they prepare for their exams, giving them a fresh perspective on how to analyse and critique the play.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Students also had the privilege of meeting some of the cast members after the show, including Naarah, who played Killara—a new character introduced to Our Country’s Good by the playwright, Timberlake Wertenbaker. Naarah, a multi-talented performer, singer, and creative, recently won the 2024 Young Australian of the Year in Tasmania, as well as the prestigious NAIDOC Creative Talent Award 2024. Beyond her achievements on stage, Naarah uses her platform on Instagram and TikTok to spark important conversations around First Nations identity, culture, and representation. She shared her passion for changing the entertainment industry and increasing visibility for First Nations voices in creative spaces, leaving a lasting impression on the students.

The London trip didn’t stop with Our Country’s Good. Students were treated to a performance of the hit new musical Hadestown, a modern reimagining of ancient myth. This offered them yet another example of how theatre can captivate audiences in new and exciting ways. Between shows, they explored some of London’s iconic sights, including a quick visit to the National History Museum.

This trip not only deepened the students’ understanding of their Drama curriculum but also opened their eyes to the creative potential of theatre in all its forms. It was an inspiring journey that will surely influence their upcoming work and exams.