THIS YEARS THEME

INTRODUCTION
"The rain set early in to-night
The sullen wind was soon awake
It tore the elm-tops down for spite
And did its worst to vex the lake"
Tonight we explore Robert Browning’s poem of love, torment, conformity and obsession, and discover the extremities one might go, to save a love that no one could understand.

Northmead High School proudly presents
PORPHYRIA'S LOVER

FINALS AWARDS
TIED 4th Place
AWARD FOR DRAMA
AWARD FOR STAGE CREW

HEATS AWARDS
AWARD FOR CHOREOGRAPHY
AWARD FOR STAGE USE
AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE SKILL
AWARD FOR CONCEPT
AWADR FOR DRAMA
AWARD FOR SOUNDTRACK
AWARD FOR COSTUMING: CHARACTER
AWARD FOR SET DESIGN & FUNCTION
AWARD FOR VISUAL ENHANCEMENT
AWARD FOR SCHOOL INITIATIVE
AWARD FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
AWARD FOR LIGHTING DESIGN
AWARD FOR STAGE CREW
AWARD FOR ENTERTAINMENT

2006: PORPHYRIA'S LOVER
The story is that of a young woodsman. He awakes in his cottage in the woods, only to find his lover Porphyria leaving him once again to return home to her family for the evening feast her society is holding. Though he wishes for her to stay she leaves.

Porphyria arrives at the feast where the relatives the Duke and Duchess are disgusted by her late arrival and shabby appearance. She is thrown into the party and a world to which she does not belong. The feast carries on, and Porphyria is surprised to learn the Duke and Duchess have suited her with a young noble who asks for her hand in marriage. Afraid of the what might happen if she says no, she accepts.

Porphyria sneaks away from the feast and enters into the woods which now seem dark and sinister. She arrives at the Woodsmans cottage and he is thrilled to see her until he notices the ring on her finger. Outraged at this engagement, Porphryia reassures him that he is the only one she loves and this noble means nothing to her. Comforted by her words, the Woodsman is at peace.

Porphyria returns home where the world of her society consumes her. The day of the wedding arrives. Unbeknownst to the Woodsman, the wedding takes place and from a distance he witness Porphyria make her way down the aisle and marry her noble. The Woodsman is thrown into a world of confusion, jealously and pain.

After the wedding Porphyria once again sneaks away from home and returns to the cottage once more. Unable to decide between continuing the life that has set before her or following her heart to be with the Woodsman, he makes the decision for her. Slowly and painlessly he strangles her on her long golden hair, believeing this to be the only way for her to be at peace and for their love to be eternal.

Utter chaos reigns as the world and society are thrown into turmoil at such an act. Porphyria is forever lost, yet never before has she been at such rest. As the Woodsman carries his lover to his cottage he knows that now and forever, she is home and belongs to him alone.

SOUNDTRACK
1. TO FORGIVE BUT NOT FORGET - Outside
2. KEEP SWEATIN' - Ray J
3. NIGHTMINDS (Dave Higgin Remix) - Missy Higgins
4. SCARLET - Brooke Fraser
5. SHOWBIZ - Muse

THE POEM
THE rain set early in to-night,
The sullen wind was soon awake,
It tore the elm-tops down for spite,
And did its worst to vex the lake:
I listen'd with heart fit to break.
When glided in Porphyria; straight
She shut the cold out and the storm,
And kneel'd and made the cheerless grate
Blaze up, and all the cottage warm;
Which done, she rose, and from her form
Withdrew the dripping cloak and shawl,
And laid her soil'd gloves by, untied
Her hat and let the damp hair fall,
And, last, she sat down by my side
And call'd me. When no voice replied,
She put my arm about her waist,
And made her smooth white shoulder bare,
And all her yellow hair displaced,
And, stooping, made my cheek lie there,
And spread, o'er all, her yellow hair,
Murmuring how she loved me—she
Too weak, for all her heart's endeavour,
To set its struggling passion free
From pride, and vainer ties dissever,
And give herself to me for ever.
But passion sometimes would prevail,
Nor could to-night's gay feast restrain
A sudden thought of one so pale
For love of her, and all in vain:
So, she was come through wind and rain.
Be sure I look'd up at her eyes
Happy and proud; at last I knew
Porphyria worshipp'd me; surprise
Made my heart swell, and still it grew
While I debated what to do.
That moment she was mine, mine, fair,
Perfectly pure and good: I found
A thing to do, and all her hair
In one long yellow string I wound
Three times her little throat around,
And strangled her. No pain felt she;
I am quite sure she felt no pain.
As a shut bud that holds a bee,
I warily oped her lids: again
Laugh'd the blue eyes without a stain.
And I untighten'd next the tress
About her neck; her cheek once more
Blush'd bright beneath my burning kiss:
I propp'd her head up as before,
Only, this time my shoulder bore
Her head, which droops upon it still:
The smiling rosy little head,
So glad it has its utmost will,
That all it scorn'd at once is fled,
And I, its love, am gain'd instead!
Porphyria's love: she guess'd not how
Her darling one wish would be heard.
And thus we sit together now,
And all night long we have not stirr'd,
And yet God has not said a word!

ALL MESSAGES ARE FROM 2006 AND OUT OF DATE. THEY ARE SAVED FOR PAST REFERENCES.

19-09-06
4TH PLACE
Northmead stormed the Entertainment Centre and delivered what was declared the most powerful and emotional performance of the night. In the end they walked away in Tied 4th Place with Smith's Hill High School, and also took home the award for Drama and the Best Backstage Award.

HERE ARE THE FINALS RESULTS:
CHOREOGRAPHY: Randwick
PERFORMANCE SKILL: Mackellar
STAGE USE: Randwick
CONCEPT: Terrigal
DRAMA: Northmead
SOUNDTARCK: Terrigal
SET DESIGN & FUNCTION: Mackellar
COSTUMING: CHARACTER: Terrigal
VISUAL ENHANCEMENT: Smith's Hill
LIGHTING DESIGN: Smith's Hill
STAGE CREW: Northmead
ENTERTAINMENT: Pymble
FRIENDLIEST: Barrenjoey

1ST PLACE: Randwick
2ND PLACE: Terrigal
3RD PLACE: Mackellar
4TH PLACE: Northmead
4TH PLACE: Smith's Hill

04-08-05
WE'RE IN!!!
We made the Grand Final. Congratulations to everyone. Unfortunately the schools that will not be joining us at finals this year is a fellow friend St Andrews, and the two new to Prem schools St Peters and Bathurst PCYC. Both schools performed well but unfortunately three schools had to be cut. So now we have a lot of work to go to step up and give the best performance we can at finals.

HERE ARE THE SCHOOLS IN FINALS:
Northmead
Mackellar
Randwick
Smith's Hill
Barrenjoey
Terrigal
Lisarow
St Joseph's
Monaro
Sutherland PCYC
Pymble
Davidson

04-08-06
HEATS
HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to everyone on an absolutely amazing performance Tuesday night. Everyone, everywhere was completely blown away. It was absolutely spectacular. And to top it off, we took away 14 awards, the most we've recieved ever!!!! It's a massive success and everyone should be very proud.

AWARDS FOR:
Choreography
Performance Skill
Stage Use
Concept
Drama
Soundtrack
Costuming: Character
Set Design & Function
Visual Enhancement
Stage Crew
School Initiative
Lighting Design
Student Achievement
Entertainment

Congrats to everyone. If you are really dedicated stay tuned to the website late tonight and we will reveal whether or not we have made finals, as tonight is the last heat and results will be told then.

Our beautiful photographer Dael and taken literally hundreds of photos and posted them up on the Photos section of our website. You'd be insane not to go and check it out right now. So what are you waiting for.

20-07-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 23rd July
11:00am-4:00pm: Full Cast & Crew

18-07-05
BBQ
On Saturday the 29th July there will be a fundraising BBQ at Northmead Butchers from 8am. Make sure you show up and give your support. And while you're there pop into the school and help with the working bees. There's two coming up this week also, on Friday evening and Saturday. Come and lend a hand!

17-07-06
CONGRATULATIONS
Last night went off!!! You should have seen what we saw. A full line of people going up the street just to get in to see the show. Amazing. And the show totally delivered. Congratulations guys, it was truly an amazing night. Well done to all.

10-07-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 16th July
11:00am-12:00pm: Backstage Crew
12:00pm-6:00pm: All Cast & Crew
6:00pm: DRESS REHEARSAL

Make sure you invite as many people are you'd like to the dress run. It will not be the final show but rather the first chance anyone will get to see the show before heats. It's a Gold Coin Donation and should be great!

We've also added the official Introduction for the show to the Porphyria's Lover section of the website. Check it out. This will be what is said before the show begins.

04-07-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 9th July
10:00am-4:00pm: All Cast

26-06-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 2nd July
11:00am-5:00pm: All Cast

14-06-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 25th June
11:00am-5:00pm: All Cast

Be aware that at 2:00pm Mikey O'Neill, the official Stage Manager of our Sydney Rock Eisteddfod events will be visiting the school to view the show and check our sets for safety. Please make sure that you are all in attendence, particularly backstage. This will be our first show to anyone from the Rock Eisteddfod office.

14-06-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 18th June
11:00am-12:00pm: Leads & Cottage
12:00pm-5:00pm: Full Cast

05-06-06
PHOTOS
Check out our Photos section. A whole bunch of the sections have been updated with new 2005 photos and some new sections have been added.
Check it out!

05-06-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 11th June
10:00am-5:00pm: FULL CAST

31-05-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 4th June
10:00am-5:00pm: FULL CAST

26-05-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 28th May
11:00am-5:00pm: FULL CAST

SPONSORS
We'd like to put a massive thank you out to all out the following Sponsors.
Howard Storage World Northbridge
Emma Page
Avon
Sony / BMG
Exedy Australia Pty Ltd
Nepean Belle
Winston Gardens Chinese Restaurant
Jim Hadden
Red Rooster
Elegance in Lingerie - Winston Hills
Parramatta Leagues Club
Wagon Wheels Nurseries - Baulkham Hills
The Edge Adventure Centre
Sydney Aquarium
Bridge Climb Sydney
Sydney Tower + OzTrek
Fairfield City Farm
Sydney Observatory
Sara Lee
Oceanworld
Woolworths

Make sure you go out and show our thanks by helping their businesses along!

19-05-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 21st May
11:00am-5:00pm: FULL CAST

The CAST, CREW & COMMITTEE sections of this website have been updated with everyone's names, roles and positions.

12-05-06
MOTHER'S DAY REHEARSAL
Sunday 14th May
12:00am-5:00pm: FULL CAST

*Remember that many of the mums there are coming to rocka on Mothers Day too so make sure you wish them a happy Mothers Day.

02-04-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 9th April
10:00am-4:00pm: FULL CAST
4:00am-5:00pm : LEADS AND TREES

21-03-06
NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 2nd April
11:00am-4:00pm: FULL CAST

21-03-06
DATES AND INFORMATION

NEXT REHEARSAL
Sunday 26th March
10:00am-12:00pm: JULIET GIRLS
12:00pm-4:00pm: REST OF CAST

LOLLY ORDERS DUE - 26/03/06
Your lolly orders are due this upcoming Sunday. If you wish to order from the list of options on the form you must bring it this upcoming Sunday

SAUSAGE SIZZLE
On Saturday 1st April there will be a fundraising Sausage Sizzle at Northmead Butchers from 8am-1pm. Make sure you are there to support us, and we will be needing help to cook also.

FULL FEES DUE - 02/04/06
Your fees in their entirity must be paid off by this date. You can currently pay bit by bit or in full, but by Sunday the 2nd April your full fees must be paid for you to be able to continue in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.

EASTER RAFFLE MONEY DUE - 09/04/06
Make sure you've sold all your raffle tickets and brought the money back into Rocka by the 9th of April. This is the absolute deadline!

TALENT QUEST
There will be a Talent Quest held on Sunday the 30th of April during rehearsal. So start getting your acts ready now!!!

BINGO NIGHT
On Saturday 6th of May there will be a bingo night to fundraise for rocka. It will start ar 5:30pm. More information will be available closer to the date.

26-02-06
JOIN THE GROUP!!!
Our rocka Forum is now a group in Yahoo. It's much easier to use. This is a great way to talk to all your other peers and make friends. Sheridan is logged in and waiting for people to write to her and respond! So join in. Click on the GROUP link and start chatting now!

24-02-06
WE'VE BEEN SPONSORED
Already we’ve been lucky enough to receive some help in sponsorship. Our massive thanks go out to...

JIM HADDEN

ELEGANCE IN LANGERIE
Winston Hills

WINSTON GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT
Winston Hills

If you know of anyone who would like to help sponsor us, please let Sheridan know. We really appreciate any extra help we can get!!!

16-02-06
NEW 2006 PHOTOS
Click on the PHOTOS link to see our photo album at Yahoo. There have been some new additions to the album, including photos from our first audition last Sunday! Check it out!

13-02-06
WELCOME TO 2006 NHS ROCKA
Welcome to all our new 2006 members. Congratulations to all who auditioned.
The next audition will be on February 19th. Times are 2:30pm-5:00pm. At the School Hall. Any friends or family or missed the first audition are still welcome to join at the 2nd Audition!

06-02-06
ROCKA STARTS NEXT SUNDAY!!!!
That's Right, it's starting again! Woo!
We begin this upcoming Sunday the 12th February at the school hall. The times are as follows.

10:00pm-11:00pm: PARENTS MEETING

11:00pm-11:30pm EXISTING COSTUME DEPARTMENT MEETING

11:00pm-3:00pm FIRST AUDITION

3:00pm-4:00pm COMMITTEE APPLICATION FINAL ADMISSION TIMES

With the committee now extending there will be a few new roles for new members. This is to specialise people in particular areas and lesson the load on existing members. Therefore we need to see a whole bunch of willing parents show up at the Parents Meeting.

It is also important that all Students wishing to audition are at the School Hall at 10 for the Parents Meeting. New rules, information and the theme will be discussed here so it is very important all wishing to be involved intend.