Each year, Shakespeare's Globe Centre of New Zealand holds 23 Festivals nationwide, in which High School Students perform five and 15 minute scenes from Shakespeare's plays, set in any time, place or dress, though definitely in Shakespeare's words.
This year, St Mary's Diocesan School secured the rights to hostthe festival here in Taranaki and they are presenting an afternoon and evening of the Bard's finest plays, live on stage on Wednesday, April 1 at the TET Kings Theatre in Stratford.
This year, the festival is being run by St Mary's Diocesan School Drama teacher and regional co ordinator, Tracey Blake and she is delighted with the response of entries.
"Retaining the festival in Stratford was vitally important for our community. We are, of course, the name sake of Shakespeare's birthplace, where else should it be?"
She adds it seemed fitting to host the event on April Fool's day, as so many of Shakespeare's plays featured the "fool".
With a packed afternoon session from 1pm, continuing well into the evening, audiences can expect a range of Shakespearian performances. From the witty to the tragic to a modern twist of tales, the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival is open to the public at just $8 for adults and $5 for students. Doors are open from 12.30 for the afternoon session and 6.30pm for the evening's entertainment.
From the performances, adjudicators will select a winning 15min scene and a direct entry for an outstanding performer. These students will represent Taranaki at the National Festival in Wellington in June.
