This is my very first entry on the Canberra Critics Circle blog, and I am hoping that it works. Please excuse any bungles and fluffs.
This post is about successful students and the profession that they have pursued. I have always been aware that drama teachers and theatre companies tend to overlook alumni who have gone on to achieve excellence in the performing arts.
Last weekend I was in Melbourne and noticed that Leon Ford from Narrabundah College will be appearing as Elyot in the MTC's production of "Private Lives." SBS screened a rather dubious award-winning movie "Sleeping Beauty" which also featured two Narrabundah College graduates, Robin Goldsworthy and Henry Nixon.
Neil Armfield's delightful production of "Book of Everything" in the MTC's Sumner Theatre featured St. Clare's graduate, Alison bell, who has been making a name for herself in the theatre profession.
Ron Cerebona's article today about Lachlan Ruffy who has been accepted into WAAPA, highlights the talent of this St. Francis Xavier student.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of ex Canberrans who are making their mark in the theatre in Australia. Graham Henstock and Rhys Holden from Narrabundah are making waves as former Head of Lighting at STC, and Rhys Holden is now General manager of La Boite in Brisbane. Soren Jensen from Canberra College, or Phillip College as it was in his time, is constantly busy in Melbourne and Rhys Muldoon has come a long way since his student days at Hawker College. And the list goes on. I'm interested in hearing of the achievements of Canberrans on the national and international stage. Narrabundah student, Adam Spreadbury-Maher, who trained as an opera singer and not in drama, is now Artistic Director of the Kings Head Theatre in Islington, London, and will be directing A Tale of Two Cities at the Q Theatre after its successful world professional premiere at the Kings Head.
It is high time that Canberra recognized and lauded its many success stories, and, as Ron has done today, promoted the Canberrans who will definitely make an impact on the theatre industry in Australia and overseas in the future.
This is a pilot posting, but I hope that other critics may also reveal the many success stories that have grown out of Canberra and fuelled the creative spirit of this nation.
Peter Wilkins
