A group of Sydney Catholic Schools students will take to the stage at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) this May to premiere an original musical inspired by the works of William Shakespeare.
The production, The Shakespeare Project, is the result of a unique collaboration between Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Bell Shakespeare, and NIDA, bringing together 28 students from 12 secondary schools to write, develop and perform an entirely original stage production.
Among them is Year 11 student writer Katerina Ifandoudas from Marist Catholic College Penshurst, whose submitted scene has been selected for the final performance. She will also appear on stage alongside her triplet sisters, Evangelia and Irini, portraying a modern twist on Shakespeare’s famous trio from Macbeth — the witches reimagined as emo teenagers.
“Blending old and modern English without it sounding disjointed taught me that Shakespeare’s exploration of human nature is still relevant today. Recontextualising is a fun way to hook new audiences,” she said.
“When my script got chosen, It reassured me that I can follow my dream of being a screenwriter and director one day.”
The musical centres on a familiar scenario for many students: a confident Year 12 class returning to school only to discover they must complete a Shakespeare unit to graduate. At the heart of the story is their eccentric teacher, Miss Prospero — enthusiastic, passionate and determined to make the Bard come alive for even the most reluctant students.
Cast member Kara Doven, a Year 12 student from St Vincent’s College Ashfield who plays Miss Prospero, said the experience has deepened her understanding of Shakespeare’s work.
“All she wants to do is share her love of Shakespeare with her students, and even if some resist, she doesn’t let it dim her light,” Kara said.
“Through strange but effective pedagogy methods and a witty personality, she eventually gets them involved.”
The show draws inspiration from Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, blending humour, modern storytelling and original student writing as the class navigates their way through Shakespeare before presenting a final performance to their teacher.
Bell Shakespeare has supported the project through script development, dramaturgy, co-direction and specialist workshops, while NIDA is providing the theatre venue and technical support from its third-year production students across sound, lighting and stage management.
It is funny, irreverent and, as Kara discovered, surprisingly useful.
“Diving into Shakespeare so much deeper has helped me understand some of the texts we’re studying at school,” she said.
SCS Arts Team Supervisor Jane Simmons said watching students embrace the challenge of Shakespeare has been one of the great rewards of the project.
“They have blossomed educationally, artistically, socially and individually,” she said.
“Shakespeare is like learning the violin, challenging, but the notes produced at the end reverberate deep in the body and soul. If you can make that process fun, you’ve unlocked one of the great masters of literature.”
The Shakespeare Project premieres at The Space theatre, NIDA from 6–8 May 2026. Purchase your tickets today here.
