1988 School Magazine

SVhJTF{ - THE EI.ECTREC M&JSE ln February this year hundreds of students from twelve Brisbane schools and a Bundaberg High School auditioned to be part of the musical spectacular and rock opera "Synth - The Electric Muse". Interest generated because we all knew that "Synth" was to be performed on the River Stage at Expo in July. The new rock opera was written and composed by Ralph Tyrell with input from students from the various schools involved, dating back to writing workshops starting on the Eastei weekend oI 1987. Eighteen Crammar Cirls successfully auditioned with two obtaining lead roles: Tarita Botsman as Emily Lightfair and Karen Roberts as Daylight Control. One girl, Katrina Odgers, who is interested in design (set a.nd costume) also had the opportunity to input as one of the dressers helping with costumes. The show had a cast of eighty-three high school students mainly from years eleven and twelve, with Grammar having'the highest percentage of cast. The story of the rock musical is as follows. Two teenagers living in 2088 travel back in time and two teenagers living in 1888 travel forward. They meet in 1988. "Synth" is the god of electric music who meets with the four time- travelling teenagers. The lBBB couple have little idea what electricity is, let alone what electric music sounds like. For the 2088 couple, electric music is an ancient form of music that their grandparents listened to. ln all, Synth included twenty songs and the whole show ran for about seventy-five minutes. From the beginning, the project was designed as a learning experience in professional theatre pioduction. ln addition, students were involved in writing, directing and designing the show. We all knew what was expected of us when we were scheduled for rehearsals. Professional standards of punctuality and performance were demanded at all times so there can be no doubt that we were extremely fortunate in being involved. It was indeed a memorable experience. Full scale rehearsals had started in mid-May. Soon the cast began to rvork as one and many good f riendships were made. The experience of working with professionals such as David Bell, (Director,/Designer), Ralph Tyrell (Musical Director,/Writer, Composer), and Gary Cinivan (Choreographer) was one rhat will always be valued. "Synth - The Electric Muse" was a really exciting theatre project for those of us who were in it. We hope that those who supported us by coming to see it enjoyed it as much as we did performing it. Tarita Botsman

sYNiT0-fl Back Row: (fieft to right): C. Tretheway" K. R.oherts, K. Odg,eis, S. Coughnan, T. Botsman, K. Fietzner. Middle Row: N. Buchanan, K. Fatricl<, ,\4ns D. Carneron, K" Dor;:las, N. Dougan. Fgont Row: K. Krernrner, F. Boyce, K. .llorenheefl<,,A. Fihefiny"

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