Congratulations to our winning Shakespeare Troupe!

We were delighted to participate in a variety of activities over the course of the weekend. 

On Thursday, the students were delighted to be reunited with Katrina Kerr-Bell and have a performance to the girls at St Catherines College. This was a great warm up to the weekend! We also participated in a mihi whakatau at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama school. 

Friday consisted of a variety of theatrical workshops. Firstly a stage combat workshop with Allan Henry. Allan has worked in essentially every action packed movie from The Avengers, The Hobbit and Planet of the Apes, so it was a real treat to experience some combat tips from an expert. Secondly the students participated in a mau rakau workshop with Tanemahuta Grey. Tanemahuta is a professional producer, actor and director. It was a very special experience to be immersed completely into his teaching approaches. 

Saturday and Sunday welcomed the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. 48 teams from across New Zealand were entered into the National competition (24 teams participated in each category - the 5 minute and 15 minute scenes). The level of competition was stunning! With modern, traditional and abstract approaches to Shakespeare's plays we were truly blown away with the variety of performances. 

Kate Kelly seamlessly prepared her actors to physically bring the Taming of the Shrew to life. Troy Kubala (Petruchio) and Amalie Latton (Katherina). The team was extremely successful and won the "Most Filmic Award". This was a huge achievement to win an award in such a tough competition. 

Congratulations!