YEAR 11 DRAMA
A DRAMA SHOWCASE ABOUT INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN HISTORY
6.30PM, THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023
GILLIAN MOORE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
PROGRAM
YEAR 11 SHOWCASE 2023
Director’s Note: REBECCA YORK
Welcome to the 2023 Year 11 Drama Curriculum Showcase, titled “Herstory.” Tonight’s performance aims to amplify the often overlooked voices of strong women throughout history.
This performance showcases the talent and creativity of the Year 11 Drama cohort, through original self-devised group works, that bring to life the truthful and courageous stories of remarkable women such as Melita Norwood, Grace O’Malley, Yeonmi Park, Kalpana Chawla, and Junko Tabei. These original pieces were heavily based on research into specific events, and (where possible) relied on the truthful testimony of the individuals represented. Physical Theatre, Verbatim, and Multimedia devices were used to convey the unique struggles and triumphs of these exceptional women, highlighting their resilience, determination, and legacy.
As a celebration of the diverse perspectives and experiences of women throughout history, “Herstory” aims to inspire and inform its audience of the amazing contributions these women have given the world in the fields of science, exploration, and social justice.
As their teacher, I am proud of the maturity and professionalism our students have shown in their performances. They have approached difficult themes with sensitivity and grace, always striving to tell these stories with dignity and truthfulness. These pieces aim to inspire and inform the next generation of Pymble students, encouraging them to become strong influence in the world around them.
A special thank you to Tonya Grelis, Timothy Colvin and Marcus Stafford for their continued support for the Performing Arts and the Drama department. We hope that you will join us in celebrating the incredible stories of these inspiring women and the impact they have had on our world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Director and Producer: Rebecca York
Stage Manager: Sarah Macpherson
Lighting Design: .............. Chris Mathers
Theatre Manager: ........... Tonya Grelis
Technical Director: ......... Timothy Colvin
Crew: ................................. Vet Entertainment Students
Photography: ................... Grant Leslie
Backstage Supervision: Performing Arts Staff
Program and Poster Design: ................. Catherine Cottrell
MEET THE CAST
Aashna Rana Giaan Jackson
Ashleigh Henderson Gigi Spiller
Ashley Park Imogen Hawkins
Ava Thomas Lily Hearne
Bella Walker Lux Fritz
Charlise Moodie Lydia Heazlewood-Lee
Chiara Calvani Murphy Scott
Demitria Volos Shanya Parti
Elizabeth Graves Sophia Thurkettle
Estelle Vander
PROGRAM
THE UNTOLD STORY
Melita Stedman Norwood (1912-2005) was the most significant female agent in KGB history, leaking state secrets on atomic weapon development from her 40-year job at the British Non-Ferrous Metals Research Association. Despite the strategic value, she refused financial rewards and believed her actions helped avoid a third world war.
THE SPACE DREAMERS
Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003) was an Indian-born American who dreamed of being an astronaut and aerospace engineer. In 1997, she became the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, serving as a mission specialist and robotic arm operator on the Space Shuttle Columbia. She accomplished her dreams but, tragically she was one of the seven crew members who died in the Columbia disaster in 2003. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honour, and various institutions and streets have been named in her honour.
ONE STEP FORWARD, THREE STEPS BACK
Junko Tabei (1939-2016) was a Japanese mountaineer who became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and the first woman to ascend the Seven Summits. She led the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition and despite an avalanche, injuries, and consistent setbacks, Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Everest on May 16, 1975. She received many honours for her accomplishments and contributions to mountaineering, but remained humble and preferred to be remembered simply as the 36th person to summit Everest.
Murphy Scott, Aashna Rana, Lily Hearn.
Bella Walker, Lux Fritz, Giaan Jackson, Gigi Spiller.
Shanya Parti, Ashleigh Henderson, Chiara Calvani, Imogen Hawkins.
PROGRAM
LEGACY
Grace O’Malley, (16th century) was a legendary Irish pirate queen and chieftain of the Ó Máille clan. She was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and grew up on the coast where she learned seamanship and the art of sailing from her father. Despite judgement and prejudice, she continued her father’s legacy and became a powerful leader, commanding many ships. Grace famously sailed to England to meet with Queen Elizabeth I to negotiate the release of her family members, and her legacy continues to inspire women to this day.
IN ORDER TO LIVE
Yeonmi Park (1993) is a North Korean defector and activist who escaped with her mother from human traffickers in China and settled in South Korea before moving to the US. Her 2014 speech about her experience at the One Young World Summit went viral, garnering over 100 million views which inspired her critically acclaimed memoir, “In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom.” Park continues to advocate for human rights in North Korea and victims of human trafficking in China.
Lydia Heazlewood-Lee, Charlise Moodie, Sophia Thurkettle, Estelle Vander.
Ava Thomas, Ashley Park, Demitria Volos, Elizabeth Grave.
