Theatre dream hinges on cash

A fundraising concert this Saturday will put two Napier Girls' High School students one step closer to realising their dream of performing at London's Globe Theatre.

Seventeen-year-olds Maisie Thursfield and Miryam Jacobi (head girl and deputy head of the school respectively) have been nominated to accompany the New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company on the trip of a lifetime.

A group of 24 will base themselves in London from June 29 to July 18, where they will take part in several events, including a performance of The Taming of the Shrew at the legendary Globe Theatre.

It is an opportunity which was well out of reach for most, Miryam said.

"It's so exciting. London is an amazing city and we are going with a group of people that share a common interest.

"Shakespeare wasn't meant to be studied like it is in school. It was meant to be performed. "Performing on the Globe stage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It doesn't happen to many people, especially if you're a teenager from New Zealand."

While the pair come from different backgrounds - Miryam has danced since she was three; Maisie is firstly a musician - they came together at the Hawke's Bay Youth Theatre under the tutelage of Ken Keys.

This Saturday from 7pm at the Tabard Theatre in Napier, the duo will take the stage with some friends to raise money, desperately needed to send them on their way.

Much Ado About Something, will feature contemporary dance, a lively debate, singing, excerpts from Hamlet and more.

Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults, available from the St John Cathedral office or by calling (06) 8357862.

Donations to help Miryam and Maisie achieve their goal can be made by contacting Napier Girls' High School on 8351069.

 

Email: amy.shanks@hbtoday.co.nz