Dropout

‘There must be another way’ - this is the message that Dropout, presented by True North, leaves its audience to ponder.

In the current environment of dropping out due to dissatisfaction with conventional schooling, this showposes some questions that are pertinent to students, teachers, parents and society in general, usingmultimedia and a cast of around 40 students from the ages of 7 years up, all under the impassioned direction of Alirio Zavarce.

Delivering their message with amazing energy, pace and passion, the talented ensemble leads us through biographical stories, research and characterisations utilising a black, multi-level stage, huge screen, guitarist and drummer.

The screen is primarily used to interview students who are considering whether or not to drop out and those who have dropped out. They tell their stories honestly and challenge us to change the system to help them.

We are swept up in their lives, together with stories from the cast who give their reasons for dropping out of school - behaviour, learning problems, anxiety, culture, ridicule, peer pressure, parents struggling, inability to focus and just generally not feeling good enough-all presented with sincerity.

The talent oozes from the stage and demonstrates true ensemble playing, everyone working together, playing to their ability with each performer being as important as the other. This is all the more amazing considering the piece was rehearsed in a number of groups and brought together one day before opening night!

Sometimes dramatic, sometimes comedic, and always riveting Dropout also features UV lighting, choreography and musical numbers, notably “We Don’t Want No Education” and “Beauty School Dropout”.

The older students carry the main sections of the dialogue extremely well, with other students of all ages delivering their one-liners with strength and conviction.

This is a powerful piece of theatre that not only investigates the reasons for dropping out but that also offers some solutions.

As an educator, I found the subject matter confronting at times and found myself wondering if we as a teaching force could have done more to help some students who were clearly not coping. However, it is obvious from what is presented that it is the system at fault, as there are always teachers who do care.

Dropout is thought provoking, honest and above all passionate. It is compulsive watching for everyone, particularly parents and educators. Well done all!

Barry Hill