Yeah, it has been crazy busy! Day 6: Pepeha Day Today was designed around preparation for our trip to Kohunui Marae. We worked on our Waiata, and talked about the pepeha of the song. So, a pepeha is basically a genealogy that connects to your family as well as the area you are from. When you introduce yourself with a mihimihi, you share your pepeha, … Continue reading The Arts Project: Day 6 and 7
Today began with a look at refining and improving. We discussed how things could be refined and improved, from adding detail, to rehearsing, to improving the script, to adding technical elements, to changing the direction. Then we gave the students 3 hours to do just that. What they came up with was amazing. From costumes to dance routines to layered vocal sounds to slam poetry … Continue reading The Arts Project: Day 4
Hello! After compiling 12 plays from William Shakespeare and presenting them to you here, I hope you have enjoyed the reading over the last 12 days. As you may be aware, I am traveling to London in July to perform at the Globe Theatre, so every play on the list this year is one from Shakespeare. I am very excited about this. (Though I still … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Directory
This year we participated in the Write for Rights event from Amnesty International. Our aim was to help highlight the issues surrounding illegal timber poaching in Madagascar and the wrongful imprisonment of Clovis. So we wrote and performed a play, loosely connected to Dr Seuss’s “The Lorax”, using elements of Brecht and Commedia in performance. Here is the play live: Continue reading Amnesty International – Write for Rights – I speak for the trees
It’s not often that I get to post about a thing on multiple blogs…. sadly. But today I do. And it’s a bonus of living in a thriving small town, with an awesome arts buzz. Now, Featherston hasn’t always been a thriving town. In fact when we moved here, it wasn’t. But the potential was there. In the last few years we have become a … Continue reading Featherston’s First Fridays
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
This year we just completed the production of “Dear Hannah” by Jessica Buckham. The play revolved around 3 friends growing up and apart during the Vietnam War era. Looking at issues around friendship, belief, ethics, police brutality, abuse and addiction, the play was a success. If you would like a copy of the script, please message us here. Washer Woman, narrating the action via a … Continue reading “Dear Hannah” – a world premier
So, it is performance time. Usually we remember most things – but I always recommend taking what I call a “Performance Bag” something that has everything you need in it. Here are my recommendations of what to remember to bring with you. Costume and Makeup: If you have any elements you need to remember from home, such as shoes etc, bring those. Make sure they … Continue reading What to take to a Performance – For Performers
Beyond Theatre 