No Globe trotting . . . for now

SHIFTING FOCUS: Although a global pandemic put Mathew Hatten's plans to travel to The Globe Theatre with Young Shakespeare Company on hold, he still has big dreams to travel to London and pursue his acting career. Picture supplied

Like a yacht tacks and jibes against the wind, getting to London in a pandemic is no straight line.

In 2020, actor Mathew Hatten was ready to head to London with Young Shakespeare Company to train at The Globe Theatre, in part thanks to fundraising from the community.

Instead, life did what life does while we're busy making plans and the Covid-19 pandemic has meant an indefinite postponement for Hatten.

“Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand is hopeful that the trip can finally go ahead and has asked for confirmation of participation from its members,” Hatten says.

“For a number of reasons I have had to withdraw from the trip.

“I am now based in Christchurch and in my final year of study at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art. It is an important year, including several productions I am involved in, one of which clashes with the proposed dates of the Globe trip.

“It is because of this, as well as a shift in focus for my career path, that I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw from the 2020 Young Shakespeare Company, as well as the trip to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

“This decision was not made lightly, especially as I feel I owe all of the generous people who supported me in gaining the funds to take part in this wonderful opportunity.

“But ultimately I feel I will gain more benefit from remaining in New Zealand and focusing on my final year of study, as well as preparing for life beyond university.”

Hatten says he will use funds raised to relocate to London at some point in 2023.

And he plans to study at the Globe as a substitute for the Young Shakespeare Company workshops and will work to establish himself as an actor in the United Kingdom.

“I would like to acknowledge and share my profound gratitude to all the wonderfully generous people who donated and helped me gain the funds to secure my place on the Globe trip.

“I hope that you understand my decision to withdraw from the trip, and support a repurposing of the funds towards further training in the UK. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.”