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CCGS Street Performers Warm Hearts at Winterfest
Year 9 drama students took part in the City of Perth’s first Winterfest held at St George’s Cathedral recently. After a candlelit evensong service in the cathedral, the festival spilled onto the terrace for food and frivolity with Christ Church’s masked performers among the night’s street entertainment.
Head of Drama Drew Stocker said the five students, including Jackson Cogger-Clee, Henry Roberts, Elliott Smith, Nicholas South and James Weight, were currently studying Commedia dell’arte – a style of masked Italian comedy from the 16th Century. Mr Stocker said the boys performed short, comic routines, known as lazzi, as well as improvisation to the winter fair crowd.
“You couldn’t stop them – they absolutely loved it! They were so busy making a comedic nuisance of themselves that they didn’t want to stop for a break,” Mr Stocker said.
The free event, held on the evening of Sunday 3 July, began with the evensong service sung by children from various Perth schools. After the service, the crowds enjoyed European-inspired market food including bratwurst, paella and empanadas, hot mulled wine and followed by roast chestnuts, gingerbread, brioche and biscuits.
Wandering musicians, fire-jugglers and fire-eaters provided additional street entertainment as well as market stalls selling candles and glassware. The event followed the Twilight Hawkers Market held in Forrest Place in March.
The Winterfest also warmed the hearts of others with part profits going to the Yipirinya School in Alice Springs, an independent Aboriginal school, which has links with Christ Church through the Pilgrimage of Hope initiative.