by PNBHS

Drama Department Report

Drama - Academic (HOD Sophie Coetzee)

2021 was a testing year for all. However, results across all year levels were pleasing. The much-loved New Zealand play Niu Sila was a highlight in Level 2. It was fantastic to be able to stage a show which a live audience was able to enjoy. Although Level 1 did not get to perform their production of Twelve Angry Men to a live public audience, the boys were undeniably positive and pushed through to produce a show to the camera and PNBHS Drama teachers. This year, we are working with tight check points with each individual, to enable our students to grasp every opportunity they can with these uncertain times! Nevertheless, Term 1, 2022 is off to a great start. We have our Level 1 class learning about the Melodrama theatre form, following a performance in Week 10. Level 3 is busy studying New Zealand, Aotearoa theatre form, with a monologue performance from the well-known and powerful play Verbatim, later in Term 1. Originally written to be performed in prisons, for prisoners, ‘Verbatim’ by Miranda Harcourt and William Brandt tells the story of a home invasion ending in murder. It explores the impact of this event on the families of both victim and offender, and on the offender himself, giving unique insight into often over-looked lives and backgrounds.

 Co-curricular (Co-ordinator Chris Burton)

Covid has forced some significant changes to our co-curricular programme. The 2022 PNBHS/PNGHS Senior Production Company’s season of Oklahoma! has been postponed till 2023. This was a difficult decision to make, especially for our Year 13s, but it was logistically and monetarily impossible to justify continuing. With the spike in numbers now occurring, it is highly likely we would now be stopping. We are very grateful to our sponsors. Many of whom have agreed to carry their support over to next year:

Junior Musical Theatre Theatre numbers have dropped significantly this year, but 10 highly enthusiastic young men are enrolled and engaging with some material from Shrek (Others who can commit are still welcome – burtonc@pnbhs.school.nz). As of this week, sessions have shifted from Thursday mornings to accommodate the rostering home of Year 10s on Thursdays. A new day will have been organ ised by the time this goes to print.. Kirsten Clark, with the help of old boy Mark Kilsby and Year 13 and male lead from Oklahoma!, Jack Billing, are managing to negotiate the challenges of the indoor/outdoor requirements. Adaptation is everything!!

The Rector’s Company (Philip Mills)

Following the great success of last year’s Rector’s Company Production of Twelfth Night - with Orsino aka Darth Vader, and various other characters, The Rector’s Company Production for 2022 will be Much Ado About Nothing. Come on board the love boat SS Messina for this wonderful example of Shakespearean comedy. Running from June 28th to July 2nd in The Little Theatre at PNBHS.

We plan to have an information evening for interested students later this term, the date will be published on Stratus. We will need all sorts of entertainers for this, and we look to see as many boys as possible.

Image by: PNBHS

Theatresports (HOD Sophie Coetzee)

Theatresports is well under way again for the year. Although mask wearing is a significant ‘barrier’ for the performers, we haven’t let this dampen our spirits! If your son has an interest in Drama and would like to join the club, he is welcome to come along every Thursday lunch time in H block Little Theatre! No theatre experience required for this Club, just a can-do attitude!