The School Play : South Pacific
The School Play : South Pacific
This is your opportunity to journey to the South Pacific via Campbell College. Allow yourself to be transported to a wistful, nostalgic place of incredible beauty. An island with two volcanoes, that seems to capture the soul of those who grace its shores.
Michener describes its unending tranquillity perfectly in The Tales of the South Pacific:
I wish I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral we called islands. Coconut palms nodding gracefully toward the ocean. Reefs upon which waves broke into spray, and inner lagoons, lovely beyond description. I wish I could tell you about the sweating jungle, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes, and the waiting. The waiting. The timeless, repetitive waiting. From James A Michener's Tales of the South Pacific
As the Americans attempt to breakthrough against the Japanese during the Second World War we see tensions arise that are at odds with the striking serenity of the island. Dickens eloquently describes such disharmony in ‘A Tale of two Cities’ when he writes, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ Solders risked their lives for others and displayed heroism in the face of great adversity.
There is displayed a distinct sense of community and conquests of love that struggle to supersede rising racial tensions and ignorant xenophobic views. I want to transport you to a different era, albeit one of questionable views; built mainly on ignorance and fear, but with an appreciation of the morality and deep seated goodness that existed. The mesmerising locals with their native charm and the mêlée of cultures pitted against the two love stories; one of which manages to overcome the strain of cultural diversity and the other which ends in death and devastation. I wanted to stress the growing independence of the women, whose efforts in war often go unacknowledged. I also wanted to express comedy through the Seabee’s, and in particular Billis, to lighten the mood with their upbeat, cheeky and opportunistic ways. In addition, Commander George Brackett, slight in stature and eccentric is characterised by his jowl shaking and explosive temper.
It is my hope that you will be moved by the tenderness displayed between Liat and Cable and will appreciate the naivety of Nellie’s love for the stoical Frenchman, Emile.
The music is inspirational and reflective of the mood and the moment with the score expressing the love, charm and melancholy of the tale. I hope that we can entertain you and ‘make your dream come true.’
Finally, many thanks for the dedication of the production staff and musical directors who have given many hours and a great deal of expertise to this production.
Mrs Eliz McIlvenny
Head of Drama
Note: Images are courtesy of Mr Mark McKee, Campbell College, and Mr David Manning, Strathearn School.
