By BRIDGET COOK
THE talented students from St Peter’s College will convey some powerful messages to the audience as they take to the stage in the school musical this week.
A cast of about 80 students, from the school’s two campuses, and staff have been busy rehearsing for months for their school production For Art’s Sake.
The original music, written by Frank Carter and Phillip Helisma, is based on the story of a creative young man named Art and his struggle to overcome the pressures society imposes on him to conform.
Art, played by student Max Collins, is an outsider who eventually comes out of his isolation and goes out into suburbia, encountering great difficulties and challenges before he gains acceptance and truly becomes himself.
The play uses music and dance to convey some powerful messages.
Director Gina Goss said For Art’s Sake was about empowering individuality, breaking the metaphorical chains that society placed on people, and the value of artistic expression.
“Most importantly, it is about finding your own voice and just being yourself,” she said.
“As it is an original musical, we have been able to highlight the talents of singers, dancers and actors in telling the story, which has some very strong messages about how society expects us to conform.
“The music ranges from styles including hip-hop, jazz, disco and ballads – there’s something for everyone.”
The show kicked off last night at George Jenkins Theatre, at Monash University Peninsula campus, located along McMahons Road Frankston.
The show will run nightly at 7.30pm until Saturday night.
Tickets costs $22 for adults or $15 for children, concession and students and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 9905 1111 or at artsonline.monash.edu.au/mapa/events/for-arts-sake/.
