Pinnaroo Primary produce a smash hit

Pinaroo Primary School production
Pinaroo Primary School players

The Pinnaroo Primary School, SA, recognised that the annual Christmas performance had begun to feel tired and a bit lack-lustre. They decided to revive the end of year festivities and boost attendance numbers by putting on a higher-quality performance every two years, instead of annually.

They developed a musical around ANZAC day and students were given the opportunity to research local Service men and women, and include their stories in the production to give the show a community feel. Students conducted research through interviewing locals connected to the Pinnaroo RSL and Pinnaroo Historical Society. This process helped students to gain knowledge about local history including events that took place at home while the country was at war. The student’s research was then passed on to a playwright and artist to create a script that included music and dances. An external teacher taught the era specific dances and costuming and use of memorabilia, logos, flags and emblems were checked with the Defence Force for accuracy and historical importance. Using a REAPing Rewards grant of $2,896, funded by The Ian Potter Foundation, they engaged a sound and lighting company to professionally produce the musical.

The end result was a historically accurate, local play, driven by the students for the whole community to enjoy. Feedback from the towns people that attendance the performance was that the production was a smash hit! In addition, the students now have a stronger connection to Australia’s military history and a better understanding of ANZAC day and its significance in the Mallee Community.


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