A group of Year 11 students enjoyed an evening at the theatre on Sunday 16 October at the Subiaco Theatre Centre. The venue proved to be a perfect, intimate space for Barracking for the Umpire, which is set in a family’s home in Donnybrook. The debut play was written by Andrea Gibbs and directed by Clare Watson. The drama interrogates complex and controversial issues concerning the AFL culture. It offers a funny, authentic, poignant, heartbreaking study of masculinity, family and community and the very devastating impact of brain injury. The students who attended the show were profoundly moved by the experience. It is a play which will stay with them for a long time after seeing it.

A few words about the show from Year 11 student Cassidy Doudakis:

“Barracking for the Umpire was a truly phenomenal show which has really resonated with me since I saw it. The performances were amazing and all the actors were truly talented people. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it but I’m so glad I went and saw it. It was a seriously good play! As a not-so-avid football fan, I ended up entertained and on the edge of my seat for the whole show. This was a sign of truly great performance. I wish I could have watched it again for the first time to feel the sense of awe I always get when experiencing theatre.”

Ms Ann Franich
English Learning Area