Roses, Henry and Shakespeare

“What’s in a name…” With the selected Aucklanders unable to attend Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ’s National Shakespeare Schools Production (SGCNZ NSSP) in Wellington in October last year, owing to Covid, it seemed only fair to provide them with a mini-NSSP option. Several of the students had participated in their Regional SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festivals since they were eligible to do so. Some have just finished their secondary level education, which means they would not have any chance of being selected for SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company (YSC), much less gain the rich set of skills learnt during the week.

“Now they will,’ confirmed SGCNZ CEO, Dawn Sanders, “with spaces available for half of this cohort to be chosen for SGCNZ YSC.”

The nine Aucklanders will be joined by two students from Wellington and one from Manawatu for the -day course, based at Scots College in Wellington. 

“I would love to do a mini course in January. I’m still very keen to learn and perform Shakespeare even if it is in a travel sized version of the real course,” remarked Melissa Uren.

Director KC Kelly will rehearse them over 4 days in 45 minutes of Wars of the Roses, scenes from Henry VI, Parts 1, 2 & 3 which they will perform in Te Auaha on Thursday 27 January on the fifth day from 1.00-2.00pm. The rest of the programme will comprise a song learnt in their Singing lesson…and more.

Workshops will be held in Intimacy by Dr Lori Leigh, Singing by Barbara Paterson, Removing the 4th Wall by KC Kelly, Devising a Scene by Dave Armstrong. Local experiences will add to the richness of this “amazing learning experience”. “I’m so looking forward to coming down,” said Hunter Easterbrook.

For these students, who had endured the 103-day lockdown, it is positive way to unleash their creative energy, enjoy working as a team again and have a ‘kick-start’ into the careers in the arts to which they aspire.

Bookings to the performance may be made via the SGCNZ Office or by door sales from an hour before it begins.

Visit sgcnz@sgcnz.org.nz for more information – or contact SGCNZ Office 04 384 1300 or 027 283 6016.

Tickets for Wars of the Roses – Tapere Iti, Te Auaha, 65 Dixon Street, Wellington Thursday 27 January 1.00-2.00pm 2022:

Book at: sgcnz@sgcnz.org.nz  P: 04 384 1300 
Tickets:

• $20 Adults           

• $18 SGCNZ Adult Friends/Concessions         

• $12 Students      

• $10 SGCNZ Student Friends                          

• $7 Children Under 12

Programme:                      $5