Doug Hanson has been at the elite Sydney private school, St. John's College, since year 5. He has become part of the system, feels trapped and that his fate is sealed. He explains this to the new student, Peter, who is beginning to understand that problems at St John's are much more serious than he had thought.

Title track from the rock opera 'Caught in the Portal'.

Caught in the Portal - Caught in the Portal

The Headmaster of Sydney elite private school, St. John's College, is a paranoid totalitarian who uses frequent coporal punishment and other abusive discipline practices. He has just discovered a 'leak' amongst the staff and is trying to crack down on dissent.

From the rock opera 'Caught in the Portal'.

Caught in the Portal - Silence

Peter Zimmer, kneeling in the rain next to the body of his friend Red who has been killed by members of a street gang, realises that bullies must be confronted. He confronts his fear and decides to challenge the fascist headmaster of his elite private school, to expose him and the abuse and corruption that plague the students there.

Caught in the Portal: Dragon / Knight

Four members of the chorus take the stage. Each one represents one of the four main groups from the musical Caught in the Portal (St. John's Students, the Demon gang, Santa Maria students, St. John's Staff). They sing the opening number, 'Prologue Quartet', introducing the events and themes to come.

Caught in the Portal: Prologue Quartet

'Othello' is the number that has been prepared for the St John's school concert. As the students play the classical piece for the parents, tension rises behind the curtain and the Headmaster injures Tim. Peter decides to out the school's abusive headmaster in front of all the parents, all but dooming himself in the process.

Caught in the Portal: Othello

As the students of St. John's gather for assembly, they sing the St. John's anthem, a bombastic, regimented love letter to conformity and tradition. In the instrumental sections between verses, Peter and Tim discuss the merits of elite private schools and Peter's concerns about the conformist culture.

Caught in the Portal - St John's Anthem

Original Music by Victor Spiegel for The Tempest - Steampunked! at the Sidetrack Theatre in Sydney, September 2012

To The Elements Be Free

There is only one Demon King! A satirical love letter to the Lord of All Demons.

Demon King!

Writer, Primary Teacher, Visual Artist. I also dabble in music because life is too short :)

John Galea