Bridget Donovan — Sep 12, 2021

The cast and crew of Once on this Island were so disappointed when we heard about the alert levels. We were two rehearsals away from opening night when we went into lockdown.

But as they say, “The Show Must Go On!” ….somehow. The plan is to get in a professional film crew to do a recording of the production. This filmed event will be released to ticket holders in Week 10 of this term. If we go into Level 1, we may be able to do the show to live audiences. At the moment it is very much….wait and see.

Once on This Island, is a fable of love, death and temperamental gods set in the French Antilles. It is a story of romance between a peasant girl and a rich city boy whom she saves from death. Ti Moune, an orphan girl, uses the power of love to bring people together from different social classes.

There are so many students and staff who are part of this project. We have 41 students in our cast and another 36 involved in hair, makeup, costume, set design, painting and construction. Our Production Team is made up of over 30 staff members taking on different roles in supporting our students.

Creating a show like this is such a powerful form of personal, social, and cultural expression. It enables us as a kura, to create, reflect, communicate, change our views of the world and learn. It challenges us and encourages resilience. We have all learned so much already through this experience. We all hope we can share our learning and mahi with you all….somehow.

Whats on: