The Year 11/12 Drama class proudly represented St John Paul II College at the Canberra Theatre’s ACT UP Showcase on Friday evening. This term, students devised two clever and comedic performances—‘Evolution’ and ‘The Cancel Council’—offering sharp social commentary on our growing dependence on artificial intelligence and the rise of cancel culture.

It was a 15-hour day packed with rich industry experiences. Students participated in professional tech runs, a NIDA acting workshop, a costume design workshop, and explored behind the scenes of Shake & Stir’s production of 1984. They also visited the Sidney Nolan exhibition at CMAG and watched a professional performance of Night Night by The Last Great Hunt Productions.

Our JPC performers shone on stage, using conventions of absurdism and satirical humour to captivate the audience. With stylised movement, exaggerated characterisation, and an unforgettable birthing scene, their pieces were powerful, entertaining, and widely praised.

A huge congratulations to our performers:
Rosa Billingham, Mizpah Binny, Olivia Harrington, George Hampshire, Abigail Hernandez, Amelia Logan, Sofia LoPilato, and Ellie Mitchell.
A special shout-out to our incredible stage managers, Tahneeka Hifo and Aliya Sebastian.

We are also grateful to the enthusiastic crowd of family, friends, and members of the public who came to cheer on our students.

Chookas to all involved — your energy, creativity, and professionalism made us proud!

Mrs Sarah Smith
Drama Teacher