brava [bra.va]

Used to express approval of a woman, especially for a performance. N. A shout or cry of “brava”. [Italian, feminine of bravo]

We have celebrated a tremendous week in the Arts at St Catherine’s with the premiere of the long awaited Barbreck production, The Wizard Oz. Faced with numerous production challenges throughout COVID-19 lockdowns, the Years 5 and 6 cohorts, together with Barbreck teachers, Mrs Melissa Dods as Director, Miss Kirrilly Wootton as Choreographer and Miss Lucy Mason for her Stagecraft Direction, are to be congratulated for this wonderful presentation of the much-loved classic novel and film.

There was much to enjoy watching the production, whilst each of the girls were filmed in the isolation of their homes during lockdown 6, the team work presented is extraordinary to behold. The compilation of so many videos works to create a Barbreck movie that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own lounge chair.

The individual performances of Camilla Aberdeen as Dorothy, Ava Hewitt as Toto, Olivia Grasso as the Scarecrow, complete with her backyard adorned with artistic corn, Clara Barry as Tin Man and Jiali (Erena) Zhu as the Lion, were extraordinary, as were the performances of all girls in the Chorus – Isla Morris as the Wicked Witch was outstanding.

One can only imagine the state of home bathrooms (!) with the detail of makeup artistry, and the costuming rounding out the brilliant and colourful production.

The experience of the Years 5 and 6 girls to complete this production is something they will remember for years to come, and perhaps reminisce about at School reunions. The re-imagination of what was to be a stage show at School, required the courage to perform in front of camera at home, bravely filming scenes, singing to the joy of family members and, most notably, without the support of cast members around them, provides an insight into the true character of the Barbreck girl.

It would have been an easy option to postpone, or worse still, cancel the show, but this was never considered by our Barbreck Performing Arts staff. The perseverance and ‘show must go on’ attitude of all involved is to be congratulated. I trust the home rehearsals and support of preparing students for filming brought much joy to our families across the winter months. Indeed, this is a great lesson in resilience and problem-solving for the girls, and culminated in a wonderful hour and 12 minutes of pure entertainment. Brava! Brava!

This week, the Years 7 and 8 production, Elf Jr. The Musical, is also in full rehearsal mode with Head of Performing Arts, Mr James Brown. This production features 26 all-singing, all dancing Years 7 and 8s, who have persevered through online rehearsals, and the uncertainity of the production’s postponement. Fortunately, with the changing COVID restrictions, their hard work will be rewarded with the opportunity to perform in the first week of December. Brava! Brava!

We now eagerly await the Term 1, 2022 opening of our custom-designed performance, rehearsal and learning space – the Black Box Theatre – located near the Heyington Gates at the front of our School.

As the central phase of the redevelopment of our Performing Arts precinct, within the Dorothy Pizzey Centre, our Black Box Theatre will provide a new home for Performing Arts at St Catherine’s School. The space will offer a spectacular venue for music recitals, concerto concerts and jazz evenings, in addition to a bespoke playhouse for our musical, drama and future dance productions.

I wish to acknowledge the remarkable lead donors whose gifts have enabled our vision for this new Theatre to be possible, and for supporting our School’s Intent #6: To equip our future with innovative and contemporary learning spaces that deliver exceptional opportunities for our students. Families are invited to contact our Advancement Office, if they wish to be part of this exciting project through the generosity of their giving, and to give opportunity for donors to be recognised with their name included on the Brava Wall located inside the entrance of the Winter Garden in our Senior School.

Rounding out the week for St Catherine’s Arts, is the VCE Art Show, exhibiting student works from VCE Studio Arts, VCE Visual Communication and Design and VCE Media Studies. The exhibition is currently presented in the School residence at 15A Heyington Place. Students and family members from all Year levels, particularly those who are pursing elective choices in the Arts, are encouraged to attend. The Art Show is available to view online via this link, for any members of our community who were unable to view the Exhibition in person.