Stratfords of the World convention bringing global guests to Taranaki

Hasely Lobb, Shae Trownson, Charlotte Lobb and Stratford Shakespeare Trust chairman Dixon Lobb attended the Stratfords of the World convention in Stratford, Ontario, Canada in 2023. Photo / Alyssa Smith

There will be plenty of international flavour in Stratford next month, as a global convention takes place in the town.

Next month, Stratford-upon-Pātea is hosting the biennial Stratfords of the World convention and everything the region has to offer will be on display, said Stratford Shakespeare Trust chairman Dixon Lobb.

“It’s exciting. This convention is a chance for people from all around the world to connect positively, to create friendships and understand each other [at] a time [when] that is not always happening around the world.”

He said just under 40 visitors from various other Stratfords in the world are coming to New Zealand’s Stratford for the event.

The convention includes six Stratfords around the globe – Stratford, Taranaki; Stratford in Victoria, Australia; Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK’s Warwickshire; Stratford in the United States’ Connecticut; Stratford in Ontario, Canada and Stratford PEI, also in Canada.

There’s a fun-filled itinerary for the guests, said Lobb, starting from their arrival.

“We have our registration where they meet their hosts. For people who are interested, we will be taking our visitors to New Plymouth to see the Barden Party performing Macbeth at the TSB Festival of Lights.”

The following day they will go up Taranaki Maunga, spending a day sightseeing and visiting Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls.

“We will then be heading back to the bus in the Mountain House. From there, we will travel to the Maunganui Gorge Bridge. This is a short but challenging walk, but there are great lookout points at all points of the journey for those wanting to save energy.”

The visitors then have another chance to watch a performance, with the Nelson-based group performing their interactive Cocktales production.

“This is going to be a great occasion for the group. We have great other events, and then the conclusion of the convention with a medieval dinner.”

The convention will be marked with the planting of a purple akeake tree donated by Taranaki Regional Council, said committee member Jo Stallard.

“It is a tough and hardy plant, not unlike the early days of New Zealand. Fenton Street Arts Collective also donated an oak tree, which is one of the most commonly named trees in Shakespeare’s writing.”

Stallard, who co-owns the Fenton Street Arts Collective with Stuart Greenhill, said planting trees marks a hope the conventions will continue in future years.

Dixon said the tree will be a great reminder of a special symbol of the event.

“It’s a marker of the convention. It’s very unique to Stratford. A lot of places share the same name, but ours is special as it links to Shakespeare. It develops a fellowship.”