MONKEY! - CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE PRESENTS - BY COLIN TEEVAN
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CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE PRESENTS MONKEY! BY COLIN TEEVAN
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME We are delighted to welcome you to the Caroline Payne Theatre for the 2021 College Production of Monkey, an entertaining tale that follows Monkey as he journeys to the west with monk Tripitika and friends Pigsy and Sandy. Originally slated for 2020, the production had to be rescheduled and recast in the wake of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on live performances. We are immensely proud of the way the students have rallied to meet every challenge – their enthusiasm, resilience and teamwork have truly Ignited the Spirit. One of the many benefits the Caroline Payne Theatre offers is the opportunity for students to rehearse and perform in a purpose-built space that is our own. This also allowed the production to embrace creativity at every turn – including in staging and costume – thereby putting on our own spin on Colin Teevan’s adaptation of this classic story. I congratulate the student cast, crew and musicians for their tireless effort and commitment to this wonderful production. I also extend my congratulations and gratitude to Director James Dove, Drama Teacher Jo-Anne Palmer, Arts Administrator Donna McCrystal, Theatre Operations & Technical Support Manager Chris Hastie, and all other support staff. Finally, we also thank our parents for their enduring support of the students. Much like the journey in the play, the journey to the 2021 College Production has been challenging but ultimately more rewarding than we could have anticipated. Frank Italiano Principal
SYNOPSIS Monkey! By Colin Teevan tells the story of Monkey and his friends Pigsy and Sandy as they accompany the monk Tripitaka from China to the Buddha of the Western Heaven in search of the Sacred Scriptures and Enlightenment. A College production like no other, this fun-filled retelling of the classic Chinese story Journey to the West will excite and delight while conveying the message that it’s through the journeys in life – and not the destinations – that we perfect ourselves. Students have been encouraged to contribute to the overall artistic vision of the show, with the production challenging them to learn more about stage craft, including digital set design, make- up, stage combat, lighting techniques and more. In addition to the creative utilisation of media, the performance will include many actors playing more than one part, placing a strong emphasis on the notion of shared roles within an ensemble. Director James Dove is passionate about this piece and aims to educate and entertain in this retro-classic. DIRECTOR’S VISION STATEMENT The Chinese tale of the roguish and playful Monkey is one of the most popular classics in Asian literature and was further popularised across Australasia by the 1970s Japanese television adaptation. Sun Wukong, the Monkey god, must redeem himself by guiding Buddhist monk Tripitaka on a westward journey from China in search of sacred scriptures. They’re accompanied by two friends, Pigsy and Sandy, who help them as they encounter challenges on the way to enlightenment. I was interested in the way playwright Colin Teevan travels the mystical story of Monkey across time and space. In this version Monkey is a metaphor for what it is to be young in this brave new world, with his sense of play encouraging us to go along with him as he navigates his travels. The signography and dramatisation are as if we are following Buddha’s meditation, immersing us in the lessons on youth and creativity through this focus on Monkey. The relationship between Australia and Asia has never been as urgent and important as it is now. As Monkey journeys through this cultural handshake from east to the west, my hope is that increased peace and understanding can be forged. I am extremely proud of our students, who have approached the challenge of the rescheduled and recast production with enthusiasm, creativity and resilience. I thank all staff and community members who have worked tirelessly to help bring this production to life. We are truly excited to share this show with you and hope you enjoy it immensely. James Dove Director
CAST & CREW DIRECTOR James Dove ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Jo-Anne Palmer THEATRE OPERATIONS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT MANAGER Chris Hastie ARTS ADMINISTRATION Donna McCrystal SOUND TECHNICIAN James Halifax TECH TEAM Victoria Chong, Hardy Devene, Zac Mellor, Marius Rodari, Luke Sullivan COSTUMES Mel Bird, Priscilla Bird, Donna McCrystal MAKEUP TEAM Zoe Cotton, Isla Emmerson, Amy Hitie, Eliza Sullivan, Lani Upton, Katherine Painter (Tutor) USHERS Mia Andersen, Acacia Casey, Emily Holloway, Killian Jordan-Keane, Alira Malan, Christian Vong McIver BACKSTAGE/GREENROOM STAFF Phoebe Berndt, Todd Byrom-Carter, Jonathan Bradley, Lorraine Carpenter, Julie Pannell, Caroline Stevenson
CAST & CREW
CHLOE ADAM SOPHEA ANDREW LAURA AYLWIN CONNOR BENNETT AMELIA BERRY
Demon Demon Daughter Number Sandy Fish Dragon Demon
Three / Demon
SAIVE CHAIYAPHOCH DECLAN COOPER BELLA CROSS ISABELLA CROSS JACK DAVIS
Demon Monkey Demon Tripitaka Demon
MOLLY DAWKINS JOSHUA DIAZ LILLY GRACE ALEX HAYES ALICE HERBERT
Willy Worm/Sickly Son/Demon/Deaf Buddha The Queen of the Black Demon Pigsy
Daughter/Disappointing Disciple Rooster / Demon
THOMAS HUSSEY ETHAN JANSSEN SIENNA LAKE INDY LEECH HUGH LIVINGSTONE
Jade Emperor Yama, King of Death Demon Demon Prince of the Black
Rooster / Demon
JULIE MARMITE PIERS MOTHERWAY LAYLA NEWMAN MACY NEWMAN BEN NGUYEN
Demon Emperor T’ai Tsang of China Demon Demon Mr Kao
NICHOLAS O’KEEFE LARA PASSAUER MISCHA PIZZO AUSTIN RANDALL TOM REID
General Yin Mother Demon/Little Old Demon Boy Erh-Lang
Man/Little Old Woman/Priest
EMMA RUNYON GRACE TANDY KEELY WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER XANTHIS
Spirit of the Planet Venus Demon Prime Minister of China/Sly Devil/Sickly Son/ Demon
Deaf Daughter/Disappointing Disciple
BRENDAN BOUDVILLE CHRIS CAKIR AUDREY HO GIANNI PETTA SANJEEV SINGH KATHRYN TAN BEN THOMPSON
Musician Musician Musician Musician Musical Director Musician Musician
MEET THE LEADS
Monkey
Declan is a Year 11 student who is a highly accomplished
performer both within and outside of the College. He has been
a member of the College Choir, Boys Choir, Dance Company,
Boyz Dance, CorpusArtCast, year level productions and starred
as Gaston in the College’s 2019 performance of Disney’s Beauty
and the Beast. Outside of the College, Declan has had roles in
productions such as: Stagecoach’s Guys and Dolls, The Addams
Family, Bye Bye Birdie and Mean Girls; WA Opera’s Tosca; APAN’s
Jersey to Motown and Shrek; Harvest Rain’s Grease; and Tudor
Theatricals’ Seussical and The Little Mermaid.
“Monkey and I are quite similar in our energy and enthusiasm but
in many other aspects me and Monkey are very different. But
DECLAN COOPER overall he is very fun to play. I’m excited to be able to showcase
this strong handshake between Western and Asian culture and the
introduction of technology in this show.”
Tripitaka
Year 11 student Isabella Cross plays Tripitaka, a pilgrim Monk who
takes part in a long and treacherous journey to obtain scriptures
from the Western Heaven. This is Isabella’s first lead role in a
College Production and she is very much looking forward to
performance day. She previously performed in the ensemble of
2019’s Beauty and the Beast.
“The effort put into this show by the actors, tech crew, band and
people behind the scenes is just mind blowing – huge applause
to them for making this happen. The story is a riot. The first time
I read through the script I was shocked at how funny it was, and
seeing it live on stage is going to be a treat. People should see
this show for nostalgia – if you or someone you knew grew up
watching Monkey Magic on TV, this one’s for you.” ISABELLA CROSS
Pigsy
Alice has been performing since a young age, starting off in
the chorus of productions such as The Snow Queen, Oliver! and
Seussical before taking on lead roles in the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan
and Kid Frankenstein. She has also performed in Dance open nights
for many years. Now in Year 8, Alice takes on the lead role of Pigsy
in her first high school production. She is also currently a student
leader for Merici.
“I think that Pigsy is a very fun role! He’s always tired (like me)
but I’d say Pigsy and I are like completely different people. Being
part of this production has been a wonderful experience and I
recommend it for anyone who wants to get into theatre. People
should come to this show because it’s hilarious, exciting to watch
ALICE HERBERT and the actors are great!”
Fish Dragon Sandy
Year 11 student Connor Bennett plays the role of fish dragon
Sandy – his second role in a Corpus Christi College production. He
played Lefou in the 2019 College Production Beauty and the Beast,
and has previously performed in vocal recitals and dance galas. He
is passionate about all aspects of Performing Arts, and would like
to see future students get involved and work towards their own
ambitions and goals.
“I think I am kind of similar to this character because, like Sandy,
I sometimes think the bad of the situation. I am excited for the
actual night of the production and being able to probably make
people laugh or feel entertained. If I could describe the show in
one word, I’d say: magical.”
CONNOR BENNETT
Buddha
Year 9 Arts Captain Joshua Diaz makes his acting debut in this
year’s College Production. As the wise Buddha, he can be found
peacefully meditating on the far side of the stage. He is excited to
perform to the public and apply all the skills he has learnt.
“The show is funny and has lots of action. It also has lots of crowd
interaction and a sense of a community. My favourite line is: ‘And
know all that is was and shall be. Jade Emperor, I have heard this
Monkey’s rumpus from my western throne.’ ”
JOSHUA DIAZ
Murdoch Drive, Bateman www.corpus.wa.edu.au
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