GYC Theatre Performance presents Joan

GYC Theatre Performance class presented Dorothy Hewett's "Joan," directed by Matthew Stolp, at the Don Bosco Theatre 20-24 October 2022. The cast included many Dominic College old scholars, plus old scholars were in the crew (Technical Theatre students) and there were even current Dominic College students in the chorus.

What an outstanding production this was! 'Joan' was written in 1975 and students explored the play's themes of power, misogyny and institutionalism in a complex and challenging narrative. The central character Joan Larc is on trial in the Psychiatric Court of the Lunatic Hospital of Roen. She hears divine voices, those of alternate versions of herself, Joan the Peasant, Joan the soldier and Joan the Saint. The story of the medieval Joan of Arc is retold played by inmates of the institution.

Two of the Joans are played by old scholars, Jackie Van Lierop and Kate Young. Ilar Flynn, Harrison Hyland, Tyler Duggan and James Austen are excellent in strong roles. All the cast are commended.

"I cannot praise the Theatre Performance class more highly for the dedicated and mature manner with which they approached this difficult work" said Director, Matthew Stolp. "They are an outstanding group of young people; each one interested in the art of theatre, supportive of the ensemble experience and a privilege to teach."

Matthew went on to make special mention of the chorus, consisting of Year 9 and 10 students from Dominic, Mackillop and Sacred Heart.