Drama League rewards local actors

THREE performers from Ballarat National Theatre’s acting company have been recognised in the recent Victorian Drama League Monologue Competition.

In the youth category, Amelia Pawsey and Jasper Magri were awarded, having entered self-produced video performances.

Pawsey placed second for Forever On Hold from When Mel Fell for Nell, while Magri placed third for his take on You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Liana Skewes entered the adult drama category with a “tragic, very human” Blanche Dubois monologue from A Streetcar Named Desire.

She won the Adult Drama Adjudicators’ Award for character portrayal and was grateful to be acknowledged alongside two “passionate and professional young actors” from BNT.

“I didn’t think I’d have the capacity to learn the monologue this year, but it was the one thing I wanted to do,” Skewes said.

“I got it in at the last minute on the last day, and thought, at least it’s in. To get the special award from the adjudicator especially for the characterisation was mind-blowing.”

Skewes said many people haven’t had the capacity to achieve their creative goals under the constraints of 2020, so the comp was a chance to shine the spotlight on those who “threw their hat in the ring” in the face of challenge.

“To see people put something forward and then be recognised for that, that is something for Ballarat National Theatre to celebrate.”

BNT’s Olivia French also entered the adult drama category with an Elizabeth Bennet monologue from chapter 36 of Pride & Prejudice, which Ms Skewes said was “spectacular.”

VDL usually sends adjudicators to stage shows across the state throughout the year, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, decided to invite their members and non-members to enter filmed monologues.