‘St Aloysius College Sixth Form is days away from the opening night of its 50th Soirée. What started as a Cultural Matinée’ back in 1976 is now a full-on student production that is widely anticipated not only by the students themselves but also families and ex-students, among others. The yearly event brings the sixth form community together and celebrates the talents of drama, dance, music and art.
The very first performance was held in the morning on January 14, 1976, thanks to Fr Anthony Cilia, SJ, who spurred on the Sixth Form Students’ Council and students to hold a ‘Cultural Concert’ all of their own which would include music, literary recitations and short plays. Later on, dancing was introduced and an orchestra was developed. However, it was not until February 8, 1981, that the Cultural Concert was repeated in the evening and the invite was extended to parents and other guests to attend.
The Matinée had its last performance in February 1985, and from then on, all efforts were focused on the Soirée which eventually increased to four nights. The Cultural Soirée soon became the chief and most popular cultural and entertaining event of the Sixth Form calendar, thanks to the inspiration and drive of Fr Cilia.
The Soirée today encompasses various features, including live bands, dances, skits and, of course, a musical, all meticulously written and developed by the students themselves. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
This year, the incredibly talented musical directors and coordinators have decided to put on an adaptation of the hit Disney musical Newsies, entitled Santa Fe. The musical focuses on the story of a passionate group of young workers who are sick of being treated poorly and fight for what they deserve as they strive for a better life.
Featuring an impressive set, thrilling music and breathtaking dance, the musical embodies the social message of standing up against injustices. Moreover, it sends the message that even the voiceless can collectively make a difference through teamwork, unity and empowerment.
There is undoubtedly a lot of hard work put behind all this, with preparations starting as early as May. Rehearsals commence mid-October during breaks but are then extended to after school and weekends as the opening night approaches. Through all these preparations and rehearsals, the students work very hard on writing scripts, choreographing dances, perfecting scenes and designing sets and costumes.
But the Soirée is more than a production that comes and goes once a year… it is a learning experience that equips all those taking part with skills such as confidence, resilience, commitment and time management that will remain with them all throughout their lives. The new friendships that form from the rehearsals cannot be undermined either.
This year’s Soirée will be held from February 6 to 9 at the St Aloysius College Theatre. Tickets can be bought from ticketboot.com.
