By Jed Lanyon
At the age of 15 Zoe Hendriks began writing her original play 63 Results unaware that a year later she would be directing the piece as it prepares to hit the stage.
63 Results explores issues faced within families and the impact of breakdowns within the family dynamic. The story is told from a teenage boy’s perspective, detailing his experiences and emotions.
“The show itself is about a boy who tries to find his dad, who he has become estranged from for the last ten years,” Zoe said.
“The idea came into being because a lot of the stories we hear about family breakdowns are really negative, especially from a child’s point of view.
“This show is sort of a little bit of a twist on that, it’s about things coming together as opposed to falling apart.”
The Mount Lilydale Mercy College student said she has enjoyed her foray into directing.
“It’s been crazy. I’ve found the process to be really quick, but I have really enjoyed it. Directing has actually been really cool… Because it’s something I’ve written, so I obviously know the show really well.
“It’s coming to life and I’m seeing it develop. Watching the cast interpret something that I have written and seeing it become something… They’ve put little spins on things that I didn’t think of and I think that’s really interesting.
“There have been a few obstacles, especially as I’m only 16, people are not as open minded to it as if I was older… But everyone has been really supportive of it, especially the team at YouthARK.”
YouthARK Theatre is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to empower youth through theatrical performance and social activities.
Despite taking on theatre, the soon to be Year 11 student from Seville says she hasn’t made her mind up as to whether she would like to pursue a career in the industry.
“I’m still not sure… I’m doing different subjects in high school and I’m kind of keeping my options open, but at this point it’s just a hobby. It’s just something that I love, that is a passion project.
“I’ve always really liked writing… It’s always got me out of my comfort zone a bit.
63 Results will be playing at Lilydale Heights College on 24 January at 7pm and 25 January at 2.30pm and 7pm. For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=579332&.
