High school hypocracy and the Joy of Text 

THE tale of a student’s efforts to expose the hypocrisy of his school is being brought to the stage by a creative western suburbs team.

The Joy of Text, set in a high school, traces the story of Danny, a bright but awkward kid genius, played by Colin Craig (pictured).

When a controversial book falls into his hands, he plots to expose the school system’s hypocrisy by emulating its scenario – an inappropriate teacher/student relationship.

Producer Rikki-Lee Butinar says the actors, including Kingsville’s Kasia Kaczmarek, make the most of writer Robert Reid’s fast-paced and witty dialogue. 

“While on the surface the narrative is a simple scenario of how a student’s revenge against a teacher causes controversy within the system, The Joy of Text ultimately delves deeper, examining bigger questions of morality and truth in language.”

The production’s filmscape was designed by filmmaker Isaac Mitchell-Frey, who recently graduated from Williamstown High School.

“We did a lot of filming at Williamstown High as well. The kids there were a wonder to work with,” Butinar said.

Sound was designed by West Footscray’s Kiernan Box, best known as the keyboardist for Augie March and The Blackeyed Susans.

The Joy of Text is the first production for RePlay Theatre.

It will be at La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton, March 7-24 (preview March 6).

Bookings: lamama.com.au or 9347 6948