The Great Gatsby

Central Coast Grammar School has always produced an exciting annual school production with large cast numbers and an abundance of singing and dancing. This year the literary classic, The Great Gatsby, was brought to life on the stage by senior Drama students in a new style of performance devoted solely to the extension of the dramatic arts at CCGS.

The performance was met with much acclaim and was reflective of contemporary theatre staged in Sydney and Melbourne.

“The new production provides a theatrical opportunity for our senior students to stretch themselves like never before,” said Mr Lee Fleming. “For those who see acting as their core skill (and possible future career), it’s a chance to perform a mature, sophisticated and challenging piece in front of an audience.”

Directed with traits of ancient Greek theatre mixed into a contemporary, stylised form, the Great Gatsby was an entirely new approach for students.

“The challenge was not only understanding a new style of theatre but the physical demands of remaining in character for the duration of the performance was also intense because almost all the cast were on stage for the whole 90 minutes. The stage and set extended to the orchestra pit and students were much closer and more intimate to the audience than they are used to,” said Lee.

The story, despite its famous images of decadence, is a sad one - a tragedy that reflects flaws in humanity and demands a lot from its actors. “We certainly have the talent here at CCGS, and Gatsby allowed students to tackle mature themes, new ideas and exciting new ways of working in the theatre,” said Lee. “Drama has the potential to make one feel, think and react and I am so proud at how well they all stepped up regarding performance and commitment.”