For students of the Bachelor of Dramatic Art program, the Graduation Show signifies the culmination of a three-year journey, blending study with real-world theatrical experience. This final performance serves as both a showcase of their learning and their introduction to the professional theatre world. This year’s show, Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, will be directed by Hailey McQueen, who is infusing the production with her unique vision and collaborative approach.
Selecting a script for a graduation show involves more than artistic preference; it requires practical considerations that can make or break a production. Hailey McQueen reveals that the choice of Fallen Angels was influenced by several pragmatic factors.
‘I’d love to say that I chose this play because of a deep, artistic connection to its world-changing message and themes, but the truth is much more practical and unglamourous’, McQueen admits. ‘The reality of producing theatre is that scripts are chosen with a number of practical, and somewhat uninspiring, factors in mind.’ She explains that directors must consider constraints such as cast size, student ages, gender, role distribution, the play’s length, and more before making a final choice. After reviewing over 30 plays, McQueen found Fallen Angels to be the best fit, highlighting the challenging yet essential nature of this process.
Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels is celebrated for its sharp wit and critique of societal norms. McQueen’s directorial approach aims to emphasise these qualities while uncovering the deeper humanity of the characters. ‘Noël Coward was writing during a time of significant change and growth, using his sharp wit to expose the absurdities and hypocrisies of the elite’, McQueen explains. ‘The play’s clever commentary on societal expectations delighted audiences of his time and continues to entertain audiences today. Through this production, I aim to create a space where audiences can revel in Coward’s wit and reflect on the enduring truths he presents.’
In rehearsals, McQueen’s approach is centred on genuine collaboration and engagement with the cast and creative team. She believes that the collective effort of everyone involved is crucial to the production’s success. McQueen says. ‘I place immense value on the contributions of the entire team. Each student has been cast because they bring a unique energy and understanding to their role. I encourage them to explore their characters fully, to experiment, and to bring their own insights and ideas to the table.’ This process often leads to discoveries that enhance the production in unforeseen ways, creating a show that reflects the combined strengths of the entire ensemble.
Even at this early stage, McQueen has experienced both challenges and highlights. One significant highlight has been witnessing the cast’s enthusiasm for immersing themselves in the 1920s setting of Fallen Angels. ‘It’s particularly exciting to watch them find their own interpretations of the characters and their situations, discovering the layers of humour and depth in Coward’s writing’, McQueen notes. Another highlight has been collaborating with Production Designer Jacob Parr, an alumnus of the program. ‘Seeing Jacob return as a colleague and witnessing the creative career he’s forging is incredibly encouraging to me as an educator. Jacob’s insights and design work have already elevated the production.’
As the Graduation Show approaches, opening on 31 October, McQueen and the whole team are set to deliver a production that honours Coward’s legacy while showcasing the talents and hard work of the graduating students.
