AQUINAS College, Ashmore, has taken out the Queensland Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Raw division with a moving performance about schizophrenia, entitled “I Am Fine”.
Raw division focuses on the drama and dance elements of a performance and the use of hand-held props, as opposed to elaborate sets and backdrops.
Aquinas used simple costumes and two key pieces of music to focus their audience, and Year 11 student Vanessa Krummenacher set the mood with an opening solo.
Vanessa had only taken her role at the last minute to replace the original lead – Meaghan Scanlon – who left for Japan to further her dance skills.
She played a young girl who was trying to lead a ‘normal’ life, despite suffering from schizophrenia.
The idea for the performance came from Aquinas drama teacher Arthur Henry, who was inspired by a family tragedy to speak out about the sensitive topic.
“We wanted to send a message, to make others aware, that a lot of people suffer from schizophrenia and just how traumatic it is,” Mr Henry said.
In addition to Mr Henry, who was the overall vision and director of the performance, other key staff included Kristy Sangster and Jo Carroll, who brought their knowledge of dance to the table, and Amelia Kyriakides, whose creativity could be seen in the costumes and make-up.
But ultimately it was the students who put the performance together.
Ms Sangster said the students worked collaboratively on the choreography under the direction of their original lead dancer, with minimal input from teachers, which is a Rock Eisteddfod requirement.
“The level of choreography is impressive, the students really did win it for themselves,” she said.
Aquinas will now compete in the national Rock Eisteddfod finals and video recordings of the winning team from each state will be televised on Channel Nine.
“Even if we don’t win the national final, we’ve already won in the sense that we’ve achieved what we set out to do – to share our message about schizophrenia with others,” said Mr Henry.
“I Am Fine” will also be performed at the Aquinas College Night of Excellence to be held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre on November 7.
