CULTURE SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival
Hamlet : Act 5, Scene 2 Student-directed by James Burt (Year 12) James Burt immediately volunteered his time and energy to lead a team of eager actors in the final scene of Hamlet , aka. ‘the one where everyone dies’. He brought his passion, creativity, and knowledge to every rehearsal and made this a truly valuable experience for our performers. Our philosophy for Sheilah Winn is that anyone who wants to be involved, can be. James took this on board enthusiastically with a large cast, many of whom had only a single line, yet were still immersed in the world and words of the Bard. In our scene, Hamlet (Reuben Oh) agrees to a gentleman’s sword fight with Laertes (Alex Johnston) before King Claudius (Charlie Wood). James’
updated spin was to set this in a den of modern-day high-class criminals, resulting in the violent deaths of Gertrude (Edward Elworthy), Claudius, Laertes, and Hamlet. Gus Elworthy was wonderfully entertaining as Osric, while Robert Kidd portrayed Hamlet’s gangster sidekick, Horatio. They were supported by Angus Vincent, Ollie Trollip, Tinura Gajamange, and Sam Bennett, as well as teacher Chris Waugh who was on hand for expert text analysis. The scene was awarded Best Fight for the exceptional fencing bouts choreographed by our Deputy Principal, Rob Donaldson, alongside James. Reuben also charmed the judges, receiving one of only two Best Performer awards for the festival. Othello : Act 2, Scene 3 Student-directed by William Sudell (Year 13)
William Sudell jumped at the chance to direct our second scene, choosing the high-tension moment in Othello where Iago convinces Cassio to join their drunken celebrations, while ensuring Cassio finds himself in a brawl that destroys his reputation. Not only did Will shared his enthusiasm, tenacity, and experience with his small cast, he also played Montano at short notice with a cheeky energy that delighted and shocked the audience. Noah Yee was suitably downcast as the drunk, despairing Cassio, while Otto Elworthy portrayed the manipulative and charismatic sides of Iago with perceptive nods to the audience, implicating us in his nasty schemes. Will’s choice to set the scene in a dystopian future where anarchy reigned secured them an award for Best Aesthetic, acknowledging the barren stage, bare feet, and ruined army attire. Christ’s College has certainly shown up this year with an incredible troupe of actors under the guidance of dedicated student-directors who met every challenge head on. It is always fantastic to experience the joyful theatrical glory of the Shakespeare Festival, and heartening to see we have an incredibly promising group of thespians ready to tackle more Shakespeare again in 2024.
Nikki Bleyendaal Teacher-in-Charge
174
Christ’s College Canterbury
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting