How far would you go to be part of the 'it' crowd? How much do people demean or debase themselves to fit in and be cool?

These were our starting questions for rehearsing Act 2, sc.1-2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' this year. We looked at famous examples of people debasing themselves on the internet, in order to get likes and gain followers, and talked about movies where characters do the same. We discussed the things we've seen or known people to do, in order to 'sell out' and be liked. And the casual cruelties we often inflict on each other as a matter of course.

Although the question can seem serious, it can also be humorous. This was the balance we were seeking in the play. When Helena tells Demetrius that she is 'his spaniel' and he may beat her as much as he likes, what are audiences to make of this? It is tragic? It is sexist? Does she say it because of toxic masculinity? Is this the negative effect of a patriarchy? Or is she simply like the majority of us, who do and say stupid things when under pressure?

After an impressive round of auditions from around the school, we found our cast of seven actors to bring the scene to life. The cast rehearsed two-three times per week, often sharing with the Theatresports club on Fridays. They learned their lines quickly and investigated the text's rhythm, metre, meaning and intentions, as well as exploring a variety of different physical approaches to expressing the text. There was a wonderful boost when Miss Welvaert visited rehearsals to help with costumes and then makeup.

We were delighted to be chosen on the day to represent Otago for the 15-minute category at the National Festival on King's Birthday weekend. There were seven schools from the region in our category. Trinity Catholic College will represent Otago for the 5-minute category.

Now we begin a cycle of fundraising and saving to pay for the plane tickets, backpacker accommodation, and sight-seeing for the five-day trip to Wellington. The cast will meet talented students from all around New Zealand and be taught by some of the country's finest actors and theatre/film makers. They will see scenes from all over Aotearoa, as far away as Kaitaia and Bluff and everywhere in between. And they will hope for the opportunity to be selected for the week-long Acting Intensive in Term 3, and then maybe even the trip to London in 2025. Previous winners from King's include Max Beale and Daniel Honey. It's a life-changing experience.

The cast:

OBERON - Ethan Towers

TITANIA - Chris Booyens

PUCK - Ethan Shaw-Wood

DEMETRIUS - Harvey Rawlings

HELENA - Gregor Watts

LYSANDER - Declan Viljoen

HERMIA - Ben Downing