The inspiration for the collaboration came with the opportunity to apply for funds for an educational project relating to the environment and sustainability through the Neil Smart Environmental Education Fund. A boarder at Prince Alfred College in 1930, Neil Smart went on to be a farmer and well-known pioneer in environmental practices. At the time of his death, he bequeathed funds with the intent of them being used for environmental education. Prince Alfred College Council honoured Neil Smart’s wishes by establishing this fund to support projects, programs and activities by staff and students in environmental education.
The aim of my application was to develop a curriculum-based Theatre in Education performance about sustainability. Theatre in Education is a form of theatre which seeks to change attitudes, knowledge and behaviour through performance. For this project I proposed engaging award-winning theatre company Slingsby to be Artists in Residence to our three Year 9 Drama classes. I chose Slingsby as they have a clear direction on climate action in their theatre, and touring practice as well as content about the environment in their productions.
The plan was for students to devise and perform a play about sustainability aimed at an audience of Year 6 and 7 students, as well as public performances for our community. This Theatre in Education project proposal aligned with the Prince Alfred College Strategic Plan direction to 'Offer educational opportunities that inspire and equip our students, staff and wider community to contribute to a sustainable future'. I was very pleased and proud when my proposal was accepted and then began a 12-week journey of collaboration and creation to bring this performance to life.
The theme of the project was to explore the environment and sustainability, and investigate areas such as current climate crisis, consumerism, and the lifespan of objects. During the devising process the Year 9 students worked with Clara Solly-Slade (Slingsby) and their Drama teachers Rebecca Hassam and me. They researched and discussed environmental issues equipping them with the necessary knowledge to hopefully create an informative theatre performance to inspire change and action in themselves and in the audience.
During the residency with Slingsby, the students took on roles as performers and creators, including designing the technical aspects of the piece. They had an opportunity to learn about Slingsby’s theatre techniques including shadow puppetry, narration, highly inventive theatrical languages, and world building. Importantly, they had the opportunity to learn how to make their own theatre practice sustainable by considering and planning a production which has minimal impact on the school’s resources and environment in general. For example, we repurposed set and prop items we already owned and sourced other items from op shops.
The project was a challenging and rewarding process for teachers, students and guest artists. We explored the complex issues around climate change and the real impact it will have on the students and future generations. I am grateful to Prince Alfred College and the Neil Smart Environmental Education Fund for the amazing opportunity they gave our students. I am hopeful that this production will encourage the performers and audience to enact change to save our planet.
Sharon Reynolds
Head of Drama