This year, a group of year 13 students from Logan Park and directed by Ms. Dupres won the Otago Region of the University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, which meant that we were able to perform at Nationals!

Our piece was King Lear reimaged by Ms. Dupres. It had two Kings, monochromatic costuming, lots of yelling and a shopping trolley. It is safe to say that it was a piece not seen before on the Michael Fowler Centre stage in Wellington where the National finals were held over Queen’s Birthday weekend. As well as getting to watch talented teenagers from all across the country act out scenes from some of Shakepeare’s most famous plays, we were also able to take part in workshops. Where we learnt about Shakespearean stage fighting, gender and Shakespeare, and much more.

Although as a group we didn’t win any prizes, Moe and Casper were selected by a panel of judges to go on an audition workshop week in September. There they were chosen as some of New Zealand’s top 24 teenage Shakespeare actors, an impressive feat considering all the talent we saw over one weekend. From here they have the opportunity to go to the Globe in London and perform next year!

Although it was a little bit sad to not come home with a group award, Alice, Trent, Moe, Casper, Zak, Gabe, Ms. Dupres and I were all super happy to have a fun weekend in the capital city, eating lots and lots of toaster waffles.