A Powerful Performance That Left a Lasting Impact
Before the end of Term 2, our Years 11 and 12 Drama students had the opportunity to attend a powerful performance of The 7 Stages of Grieving at the Subiaco Arts Centre. Timed to coincide with NAIDOC Week, the excursion was a valuable learning experience for our ATAR Drama students. It was also a deeply moving exploration of First Nations history, identity, and resilience.
In the following reflection, Year 12 Drama student Bronte shares her thoughts on the performance, offering insight into how the show’s emotional storytelling and innovative technical elements have influenced her understanding of theatre and reconciliation in Australia.
A One-Woman Show with Deep Impact
The 7 Stages of Grieving was a one woman show that explored a collection of memories, cultural experiences, and the dynamic place of Indigenous culture in Australian society. The show weaves together a collection of stories, creating a powerful and emotional message of the horrors that have impacted First Nations people since colonisation.
Theatre Techniques That Moved Me
As a Drama ATAR student, watching live shows and analysing the use of technical theatre and design is a great way to further the understanding of the subject.
Something that really stood out to me from this performance was the use of projection. The set design had seven scrims (pieces of lightweight fabric) that descended in size across the middle of the stage. Throughout the performance, words, photographs, videos and even a live video of the actor were projected onto these scrims. This really enhanced my viewing as the emotional qualities of the show were supported with words and images.
It was so powerful to see the heart wrenching emotions of the character align with words such as “loss”, “grief” and “nothing” moving across the scrims.
A Lasting Impression
It was such an amazing experience to get to watch this powerful show that carried such an important message, and I believe it has left a lasting impact on me.
Bronte, Year 12 Drama student
- ArtsinEducation, DramaExcursion, Featured, FirstNationsStories, IndigenousCulture, LiveTheatreEducation, NAIDOCWeek, SantaMariaDrama, SharneeHunter
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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