HADESTOWN

When a community rows together

In my recent College News article Rowing Together, I reflected on the powerful image that emerged from Norway’s national celebrations, where athletes and spectators united in a simple rowing motion. It was a reminder that extraordinary outcomes are rarely the result of individual effort alone. Instead, they are achieved when a community works together with shared purpose, trust and commitment.

Over the past week, I have seen a remarkable example of this brought to life through Hadestown: Teen Edition in our Horton Auditorium.

What audiences experienced across four days and five performances was nothing short of exceptional. From the opening moments to the final curtain, our talented cast, musicians, crew and support staff delivered a production that left audiences in absolute awe. The sell-out closing night was a fitting conclusion to a performance that showcased not only extraordinary talent, but also the collective effort required to bring something of this scale to life.

Hadestown: Teen Edition was always going to be an ambitious undertaking. It demanded courage, commitment and a willingness to tackle something challenging. Our staff, led by Head of Performing Arts, Andy Prideaux, placed great faith in our students and that faith was repaid many times over through their dedication, professionalism and remarkable performances.

The success of this production also reflects the strength of Performing Arts at Scotch Oakburn College. Our department continues to produce performances of the highest standard, while broader participation across music, drama and performance continues to grow. Pleasingly, the introduction of greater co-curricular choice through our points-based system has seen record levels of student involvement, creating more pathways for students to discover and develop their talents.

To everyone involved in Hadestown: Teen Edition, congratulations. You have demonstrated and set the standard for what can be achieved when a community rows together. I feel incredibly privileged to have attended two performances and to have witnessed first-hand the passion, teamwork and excellence that made this production such an outstanding success.

Ross Patterson
Principal