Many people in north-east Victoria will remember Somebody’s Daughter Theatre and HighWater Theatre, which resided in the area from 2001 to 2016, based in Wodonga but visiting Benalla many times.
Their ground-breaking arts-led education program for young people brought wonderful life-changing outcomes for hundreds of students.
Moreover they created brilliant theatre with annual performances of plays based on the participants’ true life stories.
On Thursday, June 20, this amazing group was back in Benalla at the Flexible Learning Centre with performances of their new play followed by workshops.
Co-director Maud Clark said she was excited to see the kids performing in Benalla.
‘‘This play is all about finding your people,’’ Ms Clarke said.
‘‘It doesn’t matter if they are the same colour or same sexuality — but people who support and accept you for who you are and who you can become.
‘‘People who give you the courage to follow your own heart.
‘‘The play focuses on various dilemmas around identity.
‘‘It features young people exploring their sense of who they are — their sexual identity, their cultural identity and the anxiety that often accompanies this search.
‘‘The scenario is a diverse group of young people.
‘‘What binds them together is their search for connection — a place where they can belong without judgment.’’
This performance was a powerful and highly entertaining dramatic experience featuring quirky humour, original music, songs and pathos — all delivered with lots of youthful energy.