Objects of Substance- Gehrmann Theatre Official Opening Program

In 2017, Girls Grammar produced Spontaneous Human Combustion, a commissioned work by award- winning playwright Daniel Evans. Entwining the unresolved grief of a present-day protagonist, Astrid Pollard, with the late Middle Ages heroine, Joan of Arc, the play was published by Playlab in 2018.

While technology has certainly revolutionised any publication or program created by the School in 2022, we must not forget just what this unprepossessing program represents. It celebrates the advent of a very special space, one that holds a special place in each Grammar girl’s memory – and not simply actors and musicians. On a day one, all brand-new Year 7 students gather together in the Gehrmann Theatre as a first experience. They meet as a group and are welcomed and introduced to the culture of their new school. Then, it is also fitting that the Theatre is the final place that the Year 12 students meet as a cohort on their last day. They are farewelled in that space before commencing their emotional farewell walk up Gehrmann Lane. This theatre, so humbly introduced by a folded piece of glossy cardboard, now bookends every Grammar girl’s life.

Ms Antonia Swindells (1996) Alumnae Relations Manager Kristine Cooke (1967) English Staff