I don’t like Sundays

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: Getting into character to stage New Zealand playwright Whiti Hereaka’s Collective Agreement are Girl’s High year 13 drama class students (back left) Gem McNabb, Jade Weatherley-Libeau, Shari Kimberley, (front) Damon Akuhata-Brown and Callum McConnochie. Centre, and unmasked, is student director Cam Morrell. Picture supplied Picture supplied

Disaffected Sunday workers at a high-end department store plot their revenge in a Kiwi comedy-drama to be staged by Gisborne Girls’ High students next week.

Kate, Aimee, Jaime and Ngaire have to deal with demanding customers for little thanks and even less pay in Collective Agreement, by award-winning playwright Whiti Hereaka. The women decide to take revenge — by robbing the store and framing the customers.

Among the characters are blue collar philosophers Jeff and Joe who discuss love and life while shifting stock.

Co-directed by student Cam Morrell and drama/dance head of department Anna Logue, the troupe of year 13 drama students will stage the production in the school’s drama studio.

To find a work that would appeal to student actors, Logue scoured Playmarket’s library of New Zealand plays.

“I thought about what story and characters would relate to the students and their particular personalities. I was reading plays and thinking which students would have fun with which character.”

Knowing a comedy would appeal to the young actors, and to the audience, Logue settled on Collective Agreement.

“It has themes of friendship, loyalty, revenge, materialism and other underlying things they can delve into.”

Rehearsals and production details have entailed a lot of work “but it’s definitely been worth it”, says Logue.

“You become a theatre family when you work together. It’s worth it for the relationships and progress you see in the students as you watch them develop as actors.

“The students are driving the show. They’ve even put in their own extra rehearsals.”

Collective Agreement by Whiti Hereaka, performed by Gisborne Girls’ High School year 13 drama class, Girls’ High drama theatre, Monday and Tuesday at 7pm. Tickets from Room 33 or contact the office. Students $8, adults $10.