The Power of First Nations Theatre
Our Year 10 Drama students recently collaborated with the WA Youth Theatre Company and First Nations artist, Simone Detourbet. Simone led a series of workshops with the students. These sessions offered an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with First Nations storytelling, theatre, and culture in a hands-on and creative way.
Meet Simone Detourbet
Simone Detourbet, a Malak Malak and Gooniyandi woman, is an emerging Perth-based actor, writer, and director. With a strong background in theatre and a passion for empowering young people, Simone has worked on a variety of performances, including City of Gold and Conversations with the Dead. Her dedication to mentoring young people, especially those from First Nations and underrepresented communities, makes her an ideal leader for these workshops.
An Immersive Learning Experience
The workshops, conducted over three weeks, offered our Year 10 students a chance to explore First Nations storytelling traditions. These sessions aimed to foster respect, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of First Nations communities. Through creative expression, the students gained a new perspective on cultural awareness and performance’s powerful role in sharing stories.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the exploration of City of Gold, a play Simone performed in 2022. The students were encouraged to reflect on the themes of the play, challenging preconceived notions and building a more informed perspective on the human experience. This connection between theatre and real-world issues allowed them to see how the arts can be a powerful tool for social change and understanding.
From the Students
“I enjoyed gaining a genuine perspective from an Indigenous person and being able to be vulnerable in class discussions. This allowed our class to gain a deeper awareness of the issues in our society.”
“We learnt a lot about the experiences of Indigenous people in Australian society and the many struggles they go through on a constant basis, such as microaggressions, violence, stereotyping, tokenism and type casting.”
“I learned that it is important to recognise Indigenous People’s feelings and actively try to make improvements to help them.”
“I learned a lot more about how I felt when I was vulnerable, and I learned that it was ok to feel uncomfortable because it meant I was learning something new and reaching out of my comfort zone.”
- drama, FirstNations, StudentLife, TheatreWorkshops
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.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 10, Term 3 2024
A Blend of Science, Art & Culture
