RHS drama students recently travelled to the Adelaide Fringe for a Stage 1 and 2 Drama excursion.

They were treated to Eleanor’s Story (Home is a Stranger part 2), Blackrock and Build a Rocket at Tandanya and the Holden Street Theatres.

Eleanor’s Story gave the students an insight into personal stories and struggles during World War 2. Ingrid Garner performed stories of her grandmother, Eleanor, as a child. Some of these students were fortunate to have seen Part 1 of this performance last year.

Students met with Ingrid after the performance and were able to have rare conversations with the artist on her experiences and knowledge.

The Holden Street Theatres held Blackrock and Build a Rocket. Students thoroughly enjoyed Build a Rocket and some left in tears, emotionally drawn to the play and the character of single mother, Yasmin and her financial struggles of raising a son on her own.

Some of our students comments include:

     "It was my second time attending the Adelaide Fringe with the school so it was no surprise that it was an incredibly enjoyable experience, but what did surprise me was the quality of the shows that we saw. Everything from WWII to the struggles of teenage pregnancy made an appearance on the stage. It was a day full of fun, new experiences and I left thoroughly moved with a new respect for the magic of theatre" Jai

      "I really enjoyed watching the quality of the performances and the skill of the actors, especially in the one-woman plays. I thought that both Eleanor's Story and Build a Rocket were compelling and inspiring" Penn

     "The Adelaide Fringe was an overall eye-opening experience into different types of theatre and it helped me realise how hard an actor will work for their show" Jade

     "The Adelaide Fringe was a fun opportunity as I got to watch multiple plays and experience the different journeys they took me on. I would definitely do it again if I got the chance" Dilay

     "The play that I enjoyed the most was Eleanor’s Story. While watching it I felt like I was in the play and in the situation Eleanor had in America after living in Germany for seven years during WW2. It was very good to see the performances and be a part of their stories" Suzie

     "I really enjoyed Eleanor’s Story. The acting was superb, watching it made me feel as though I was actually a part of the performance" Bianca

Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to spend time with our drama students and enjoying what the Adelaide Fringe and our talented artists have to offer.

Wendy Matulic

Drama Teacher