All the world’s a stage

Year 6 students from St John Vianney Primary School, Morisset have been working in consultation with ASPIRE Artistic Director, Anna Kerrigan to produce an original play Beyond the Field.

Presented on Thursday 21 November to an audience of family and friends, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 played a role from singing, acting, dancing or assisting. Students also worked behind the scenes to create the props and choreograph the dance routines.

Before the school play, families enjoyed a barbecue along with entertainment by accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jordan Snowden, a former SJV student.

The vulnerability that stepped out on to the stage was raw and real. We had so many students acting, singing and dancing for the first time in their lives. They were very brave, and the staff are so proud of each and every one of them.

Beyond the Field is a story about a group of children who follow their soccer ball into the woods. That is where the adventure begins... the journey takes them to a Goat Farm where they meet a very famous singer from the past, Elvis Presley. The children and their army of goats take on Patricia the witch, who is trying to take over the Goat Farm to build a shopping centre.

As they moved through the woods, they come across some amazing musical scenes performed by all the students of SJV.

The audience not only enjoyed a hilarious story that was unique and fun, they also watched each class sing and dance to some great songs including modern and some classics.

The show ended with a spectacular finale performance led by Year 6 where all staff and students danced and sang along to the hit, I’m a Believer.

Year 6 student Hugh reflected on his experience saying how incredible it felt to be part of the play they wrote and performed in front of a large audience.

“When we wrote the play, it was fun and exciting but when it was time to perform, I was so nervous,” he said. “I cannot find the words to express what it feels like to hear our words being said in a play for an audience. I was so proud, and it felt so good.

“The songs and the dancing were awesome; I was so proud to be part of something so amazing.”

Performing Arts gives all students the opportunity to create characters and a voice through a mind-set that is engaging and emotional.

It required a strong commitment and cooperation from all involved. In return, the students are rewarded with skills that teach them qualities that will carry them through life more confidently and independently.

Connecting with English the script-writing process allows the students to explore characters and to build a story within a theme that is free and their own ideas.

This opportunity was a brilliant journey that was engaging and emotionally collaborative for the entire class.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.