New play celebrates teachers at the ‘chalkface’

Arts & Entertainment Stage Theatre & Performance

Staff Writer
August 29, 2022

Image: Stephanie Somerville and Catherine McClements in Chalkface. Photo- Rene Vaile

By Dale Barrett

Award winning playwright, screenwriter and founding member of the independent theatre company, Real TV, Angela Betzien is bringing her new satirical staffroom comedy Chalkface to Sydney this September.

The play premiered at Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide where it was celebrated by critics and teachers alike.

Set solely in the confines of a staffroom over the course of a schoolyear, the story situates jaded schoolteacher, Pat (Catherine McClements) opposite idealistic schoolteacher, Anna (Stephanie Sommerville). This odd couple is forced to put aside their differences to defend what they believe is right, even if they have to break a few rules to achieve it.

Chalkface aims to poke fun at the privatisation, bureaucracy and workplace culture found within the school system.

Catherine McClements in Chalkface, STCSA. Photo- Matt Byrne

Director, Jessica Arthur regards Betzein’s play as a tribute to teachers and role models who have a significant impact on the lives of so many people.

The all-star creative team features composer and sound designer Jessica Dunn, set and costume designer Ailsa Paterson, lighting designer Mark Shelton and assistant director Clement Rukundo.

“I hope that Chalkface will be cathartic for teachers, a comic feast they can enjoy with their colleagues and a chance to see their vital work reflected on the stage,” says playwright, Betzein.

“This play is a whacky love letter to all those teachers who’ve changed us, who’ve made a difference, who’ve set us on our life’s course. It’s about the need to teach and encourage our kids to resist and question. In an uncertain future those qualities will be more important than ever.”