Facing the Sun and Stepping into a New Chapter
At its heart, As We Face the Sun is a coming-of-age story. Tender, funny and searching, it explores growth, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to step forward into the light.
What makes this production even more remarkable is that it was brought to life in just four weeks. From the first rehearsal to opening night, our students embraced an intensive and demanding creative process with focus, maturity, and determination. It was a mammoth undertaking and an extraordinary achievement.
As our final College production before moving into the new Cultural Centre, this performance held special significance. There was something beautifully fitting about staging a play that reflects on growth and transition while we too stand on the cusp of change.
A Bold Creative Challenge
Unlike previous years, this production was brought together in a very short time. It was an extraordinary effort and a true testament to the commitment of our students and staff.
The very contemporary script offered a unique creative task. Written without conventional character breakdowns, dialogue structures, or stage directions, it required the ensemble and the Director to allocate lines, shape characters, and build the world from the ground up.
Performing outdoors in the Mercy Walk and, in the round, added another layer of complexity. Students navigated space and acoustics while embracing the unpredictability of the elements. These challenges strengthened their adaptability and resilience and deepened their learning as performers.
Throughout the process, students demonstrated a range of attributes we seek to nurture at Santa Maria College. Confidence. Collaboration. Creativity. Initiative. Adaptability. They problem solved in real time, supported one another generously and made bold artistic choices while remaining true to the themes of the play.
Director and Head of Dance & Drama, Amanda Huxtable, shared, “I am incredibly proud of this talented group. Each performer has brought a piece of themselves to the stage, challenged themselves creatively and worked generously as an ensemble.”
Her words capture the spirit of the production perfectly.
Our Cast
We congratulate and acknowledge our wonderful cast:
- Charlotte as Danika
- Millie as Nikki
- Claudia as Bella
- Saskia as Tess
- Beth as Claire
- Ella as Chloe
- Sasha as Lexie
- Asha as April
- Valentina as Hayley
- Olivia as Bianca
- Isla as Cassie
- Jayshnee as Ashlynn
- Isla as Jenna
We also extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated crew and our Drama Department for their tireless work behind the scenes. Productions like this are never the result of one person. They are built on teamwork, trust and shared vision.
Looking Ahead with Excitement
This production marks the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As we prepare to open our new Cultural Centre, we do so with enormous anticipation.
To our parents, thank you for your support, encouragement and trust. Watching your daughters take creative risks, support one another and stand confidently in the spotlight is something truly special.
We look forward to welcoming you into our new Cultural Centre very soon, where even more stories will unfold and even more young women will step forward to face the sun.
- Catholic Girls School, Creative Learning, Cultural Centre Opening, Drama Performance, Featured, Girls' Education Perth, Mercy Education, Performing Arts Education, Santa Maria College, School Production, Student Leadership
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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