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KUCHING, Aug 16: St Joseph’s Family of Schools proudly presents a captivating restaging of the play, ‘A Story of Ours: Us and Them’ on Sept 29 at 7.30pm and Sept 30 at 8pm at the ACCPC (Archdiocesan Curia and Cathedral Pastoral Centre) of St Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching.
According to a press statement, this year’s rendition revolves around the core of David Campton’s work, ‘Us and Them’, ingeniously reimagined to incorporate the pressing contemporary issues that our society confronts in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic years.
Fr Stanley Goh SJ, who is on the team that did the adaptations and additions, explained that the artful modification of the play’s title greatly emphasises the importance of “telling our stories at this point, in time and history, and helping us to reflect on our own relationships with others”.
The play will explore a very human question, “Who is our neighbour?”. This question challenges people to reconsider how they see differences and to examine how they draw boundaries, which is especially important in the current socio-political climate that is growing increasingly polarised.
While the Drama Club of the secondary school staged the play in 2016, the upcoming rendition boasts an expanded cast and production crew, a collaborative effort among the primary, secondary, and international schools.
Fr Stanley highlighted that the 2016 version targeted a niche audience, whereas this production aspires to resonate with a broader spectrum.
“We aim to give a new interpretation and meaning to the play, whilst retaining its essence. We wish to make it applicable and relatable to our lives now. Some scenes can be thought-provoking and some scenes may speak personally to the audience. One must come to watch the production in order to immerse in it and experience the incredible quality and value of the production,” he said.
Just as in previous productions, the participation of students and staff from the three schools is integral at every stage, from inception to post-production. This commitment stems from the schools’ dedication to showcasing and nurturing young talents and affording them learning opportunities through the performing arts.
This tradition traces its origins back to the 1950s and 1960s, instigated by the La Salle Brothers who administered St Joseph’s School during that era. The St Joseph’s Family of Schools remains resolute in preserving this legacy, with a visionary endeavour to construct a new school building replete with performing arts amenities like a music studio, in addition to a school hall and other educational spaces.
Construction for this facility is poised to commence soon, and all proceeds from the production will be channelled toward its realisation.
Tickets for ‘A Story of Ours: Us and Them’ are available now.
Those interested may contact 082-414575 / 082-420575 or check out its website here for further details.
Generous contributors who would like to support the production can donate via SPay, formerly known as Sarawak Pay, or DuitNow or SimplyGiving, via the links on the same website. — DayakDaily
