Katrina Ward

Drama exhibition addresses social concerns

Drama students at the University's Brisbane Campus recently staged a performance exhibition giving a voice to a range of social concerns.

Katrina Ward, third year Bachelor of Arts student and performance exhibitor examined the issue of childhood obesity.

"I chose to focus on childhood obesity in an attempt to enlighten the community about the importance of health and the detrimental, long-term effects associated with obesity," she said. "I focused on childhood obesity in particular, because it is the first contact stage where food habits are established."

"My performance was set in locations in and around the home, such as the television room and kitchen. These are the main areas where people overeat," added Katrina.

Dr Delyse Ryan, senior drama lecturer and project coordinator, said the performance exhibition was a culmination of a semester-long research project investigating various social concerns.

"All of the ideas and actions displayed in the performances have been investigated extensively," she said. "Other issues explored in the performance art exhibition were teenage depression, the death penalty, global warming and teenage alcohol consumption."

Over 50 guests attended the performance exhibition, moving around the campus to view the nine installation drama works.

The exhibition's focus on social concerns demonstrates the University's mission to produce graduates who are ethical in their behaviour, critical in mind and have a strong commitment to serving the common good.