As New Years Eve is known as Hogmany in Scotland, what better choice for the 12 Plays of Christmas for Day 7 than ‘the Scottish Play’ itself, “MacBeth”. “MacBeth” is a tragedy centred around the character MacBeth, as he plots and takes over the role as King of Scotland. MacBeth, a soldier, bumps into witches who predict he will become Thane of Cawdor and well … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 7 – MacBeth
Today we shall dive headfirst into the “Merry Wives of Windsor” for the 12 Plays of Christmas…. why? Well, long story short, there are many places called Windsor, and many plays with Falstaff in them. There are 2 plots within the play. The first involves Falstaff attempting to trick married women, saying that he loves them (in identical letters). The women are smart and compare … Continue reading 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 6 – The Merry Wives of Windsor
Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Plays of Christmas. The 5th day of Christmas celebrates St Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury at one point. So today’s play is “Henry V”, as well, the Archbishop of Canterbury is a character in the play. That’s enough of a reason for me. “Henry V” is a play that hardly needs introduction, as well, Henry goes to … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 5 – Henry V
Alright, welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Plays of Christmas. This one is a bit of a stretch, but, day 2 of Christmas is St Stephens Day, and he was a martyr known for making long speeches…. and who do we know who is a bit of a martyr and makes long speeches? Hamlet! “Hamlet” is my favourite play by far, I love everything … Continue reading 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 2 – “Hamlet”
Not that long ago I was planning my “12 Days of Christmas Knits” for my other blog, when the idea struck that clearly I needed to commemorate the 12 days of Christmas with Shakespearean plays, and an idea of how scenes could be staged, given my passion for the Otago University Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare. If you would like a freebie, here is a … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 1 – “Love’s Labour’s Lost”
Every year Amnesty International holds a “Write for Rights” campaign. The aim is to encourage people to write to governments and officials to help improve the lives of those who are being treated unjustly. And this year, I’m involved. The campaign is running already, and as one element of it in the local area, I’ve been asked to put together a theatrical performance in the … Continue reading Amnesty International – Write for Rights
Last night I sat listening to the audience of a packed community theatre. People laughed at the jokes, but to themselves. Then we had the intermission, with tea and chocolate biscuits. This audience stood around chatting, and sharing a snack, becoming a community. In the second half the laughter was full force, out loud and happy. Why the change? Well, before the intermission, the audience … Continue reading Why Community Theatre Matters
Earlier this year I agreed to direct Roger Hall’s “Book Ends” for the Greytown Little Theatre. Why this play? I am still not sure what drew me to it, partly I think the challenge of dealing with older gentlemen, as generally I spend my days with the young. I have had a ball working with these lovely chaps over the last few months, but it … Continue reading Roger Hall’s “Book Ends”
Back in June we traveled to Wellington to the SGCNZ National Finals to perform “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre”. This was a 15 minute excerpt with a colonial New Zealand twist. Award winners of “Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role” for Thomas Laybourn (Simondes) and “Globe Assessors Award for Outstanding Integration of Tikanga Maori”. Directed by Juanita McLellan. For the last few years it has … Continue reading “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre” at the SGCNZ National Finals 2017
Beyond Theatre 