By Johanna Freyler (4HLWd)

On Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, our class, 4HLWd, went to the Orpheum in Graz to watch “The Visit”, a play written by Phillip Dart and performed by the Schooltours theatre group. The play is set in a student house at a university, where tension rises as secrets come to light.

The story follows three students: Jez, an arrogant, selfish, yet charming and carefree young man. Lewis, a smart and friendly person who hides his struggles and Abby, a bright but deeply regretful girl. Their normal university life is interrupted when a determined police detective, Teena Whitsom, arrives to question them about a young woman who was found unconscious after a suicide attempt on campus.
As the investigation continues, painful secrets from their past are revealed, exposing the harsh reality of bullying, online cruelty, and the impact of ignoring someone in need. In the end, the students are devastated to learn that Lucy, the girl they mistreated, has died. This heartbreaking news force them to realize how serious the consequences of their actions were. However, the play ends on a shocking cliffhanger, leaving the audience in suspense.

The actors did an amazing job, making their characters feel real and relatable. The stage was carefully designed, adding to the mood of the play. One of the most impressive parts was the actor who played Teena Whitsom, as she also played Lucy in flashbacks. Her smooth transitions between roles were done amazingly.

Overall, The Visit was a moving and thought-provoking play. It highlighted important social issues and showed how our actions can deeply affect others. The performance was not only capturing but also meaningful, making it a memorable experience for our class.