Cassandra Fumi, from Melbourne, in collaboration with young people, devised ‘The Mermaid’ post-pandemic in response to the traditional fairy tale of ‘The Little Mermaid’ by Hans Christian Anderson, Disney’s film, and Edvard Eriksen’s statue in Copenhagen.
Concordia College’s Stage 1 Drama students, in collaboration with Stage 1 Dance students, have developed their version of this non-linear production, uniting an emotional, physical, and expressionistic approach to this well-known fairy tale that can radically reshape our understanding of these stories.
Inside the converted gymnasium, which is now a theatre holding approximately 60 patrons, we were transported “under the sea” with suitable watery sounds, misty hazy atmosphere, torchlit special effects and minimal stage set. The simple clothing of the dancers led us to focus on their wavy, watery movements. Clear diction from all of the actors made their messages very clear.
Amali Noble played the Mermaid, and she gave a beautiful performance, both with her words, expressions and actions. Jack Shrowder gave Sebastian’s guidance with aplomb. Zac Hawkins expressed himself as the Prince as fittingly vain and conceited. Gwen Morris performed well as the gentle wise grandmother to the Mermaid. Tom Tirrell gave a suitably evil twist to the Sea Witch’s character. Carla Bigiolli’s clever choreography made all the performers movements flow together smoothly.
This performance was creatively directed by Daniel Lynch and performed by nine Year 11 students. Students also designed the costumes, set, lighting and sound. Anna Pham was responsible for set design, and Chris Hill helped build it. Victoria Hutabarat designed the simple but effective costumes, which were made by Rebecca Millhouse and Hannah Gooley. Effective mood lighting was generated by Zoe Hein, especially the sun. Sound design was also by Daniel Lynch, and sound operated by Keziah Cheng. The production was also videoed by Cameron Cowie and Sebastian Fildes.
From a small 16 page script, this story sees nine teenagers come of age through the devising and rehearsal process. This production draws on their energy, creativity, and worldview. It is poetic, chaotic, mythical, and contemporary all at once. It learns from the past but moves towards new mythology. An amazing, unique, creative production from a talented team of young people.
After two nights of public performances in September, the ensemble will enter their work in the State Theatre Company’s Young Theatremakers Awards in October 2025.
