Students treated to live theatre performance

INTERACTIVE SHOW: Students from primary schools across Mount Gambier took part in the performance Tetris at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre recently.
INTERACTIVE SHOW: Students from primary schools across Mount Gambier took part in the performance Tetris at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre recently.

GORDON Education Centre students laughed and clapped their way through the interactive performance Tetris at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre this week.

Receiving 50 free tickets from Country Arts SA and performance co-presenter DreamBIG Festival, the students had the opportunity to take part in the popular performance and dance on stage with the performers.

Gordon Education Centre leadership team member Leah Dowdell said staff and students were pleasantly surprised with the offer of tickets to the performance.

“Opportunities for live performances do not come often for our students to attend, so they were very excited to be able to go to the theatre, be a part of an audience and experience music and movement, while also being asked to be involved on stage,” she said.

Performed by Dutch dance quartet Arch8, the show is inspired by the much-loved game of Tetris.

The performers use the game as a way to physically portray how people fit in with each other in a way that young minds can connect with.

Choreographer Erik Kaiel creates all kinds of human “blocks” with high-paced precision that cleverly transforms the body for each dancer as they drop, lock and pop into place, much like today’s society.

As the interlocking shapes unfold, the audience can see Tetris is about fitting into a group, but also staying true to yourself.

Country Arts SA marketing and community relations officer Caitlin Kennedy said all the students appeared to have a great time.

“It was heart warming to see children from the Gordon Education Centre, along with other primary schools, dancing on stage with their teachers during the performance on Tuesday,” she said.

Student Asher had a lot of fun watching and taking part in the show and said the performers were funny.

“My favourite part was going on stage with everyone, it was fun,” he said.

Students from Compton, Kalangadoo, Mulga Street, Suttontown, Melaleuca, Naracoorte and Tantanoola primary schools also enjoyed the performance at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre during the week.