By Holly Sullivan, Department Head – Performance Studies & The Arts Coordinator
At ICS, the arts are thriving through a unique collaboration between Grade 8 student Inza and Primary Performing Arts teacher, Mr Fowler.
Inza, an aspiring playwright, has written an original musical titled The Forest Gang, which will be performed next month by Primary students. This project has not only showcased Inza’s creativity but has also provided a fantastic opportunity for cross-phase collaboration between Primary and Secondary students.
Inza was first inspired to write the musical after sharing a short story with Mr Fowler during her time in Primary School. Mr Fowler encouraged her to turn it into a full musical, creating a platform for future young performers. Inza’s goal was to give Primary students more opportunities to explore their talents, and she’s thrilled to see them embracing the challenge. “Seeing the younger students enjoy the process and really come alive in their roles is such a rewarding experience,” she says.
Mr Fowler has also found the collaboration inspiring. He praises Inza’s leadership and organisation, as well as the primary students' enthusiasm. “It’s been wonderful watching the Primary students connect with the characters and embrace their roles,” Mr Fowler says. “Their excitement, especially as they get ready to wear their animal costumes, has been contagious.”
The Primary students have responded enthusiastically to the challenges and joys of performing in The Forest Gang. Mr Fowler believes that the complexity and emotional depth of Inza’s script have kept them engaged. “It’s an emotional musical – it’s funny, serious, happy, and sometimes sad,” he notes. “The characters are interesting, and the children are really connecting with them!”
The Forest Gang promises to be a heartwarming performance. Both Inza and Mr Fowler hope the audience will enjoy the blend of music, humour, and touching moments. Most of all, they want everyone to witness the incredible teamwork and creativity that has gone into bringing this original story to life.
The Forest Gang Interview with Inza and Mr Fowler
Questions for Inza
What inspired you to write The Forest Gang?
It was Mr Fowler’s first year as a Performing Arts teacher and I was showing him a short story I had written during a break I was spending in the Primary art room (I was still in Primary). He told me he wanted me to write a musical/play for next year’s primary performance. This was right before the Christmas break, so I had the entire break to write it. I decided to do it because the time I had been in Primary School, there had only been one theatre opportunity and I wanted to give future passionate students a chance of their own to show their parents and the school their talents. This is what inspired me.
How does it feel working with Mr Fowler on the musical?
I believe working alongside Mr Fowler has been an inspiring and educational experience. It has been an honour to learn from him and to be given the chance to hone my directing and writing skills.
What has been the most exciting part of seeing Primary students bring your script to life?
The most exciting part of witnessing Primary students bring my musical to life is seeing them enjoying themselves just how I enjoy being part of an acting team when I am in a performance crew. This is my favourite part of acting and seeing others experience it is a wonderful feeling.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the performance?
I hope the audience takes the message of the musical away from the performance. This message is that everyone deserves a friend. I also hope that when the parents of the crew are watching, they see that children are very talented.
How has this experience helped you grow as a writer and a creative?
This experience has helped me grow as an author/director by showing me the importance of collaboration, communication, perseverance, and leadership skills. I have also learned many useful tactics to be a more effective script writer and overall leader.
Any points you’d like to make?
I have truly loved this experience and I hope it opens up new doors for me in or out of the school.
Questions for Mr Fowler
How did the idea of collaborating with Inza for The Forest Gang come about?
Inza was a stand out in class that always talked about her experiences outside of school playing roles in plays and musicals. A thought hit me to ask if she’d be interested in writing her own play/musical since the opportunity to really dig into a major dramatic piece was not available that particular year.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with both the student playwright and the primary performers?
I love seeing Inza work with the younger students. She, as always, is organised, patient, and focused. I also love seeing the students who have little to no experience on stage begin to own their places in the production. In just the last 2 or 3 rehearsals some students have had switches turn on in their heads as they realised their roles, no matter how small, were valuable and that they could take control of their characters in ways no one else could. At that moment, they became full members of the cast. I’m sure this will happen to the whole crew.
How have the Primary students responded to being part of this original musical?
I think they are really connecting with the musical because throughout the piece, Inza has written in mood changes and shifts in direction. This keeps things interesting for the children. It is an emotional musical. It’s funny and serious. It’s happy and at times, sad. The characters are all interesting. All of these elements make for a really meaningful musical that stands out. Also the students can’t wait to get into their animal costumes.
What should the audience look forward to most when they come to see The Forest Gang?
I think the audience will enjoy how the music and dramatic scenes flow into one another. I think they will enjoy the music and the emotional acting. All in all, we hope they will see a production which features the talents of all the students. A true team doing their best at many different tasks and having fun.