Arts evening on 26 June gave audiences the opportunity to see a dynamic and confident performance from our hardworking and talented students.

NCEA Drama students have been exploring thefunction of theatre Aotearoa New Zealand. This  involves explaining connections between performance and the use of drama to  heal, educate, entertain, or transform society. The groups performed a compilation of scenes from local plays. These scenes explored the lives of children from the 1890’s through to the 2000’s. We learned some history from colonial times with “ Children of the Poor” and about Christchurch in “Waiora”, “Daughters of Heaven” and “Two Fish and a Scoop.” Themes of poverty, racism, low expectations and violence encouraged students to think politically, asking have things changed? Axle’s opening song summed up the constant dream, If I were a rich man”

The rehearsal process encouraged  performers to demonstrate manaakitanga,the value of kindness,  care, and respect for others. They needed to learn lines, attend classes regularly and support the rest of the ensemble. Students explored a range of characters  in performance to develop empathy and see the world from another perspective. We have considered our own individual needs and interests - taking care to support each other throughout. Many students showed amazing personal growth throughout the process. Thank-you for all the help from Learning Support staff and all the family and friends who attended the performance.