Shake the Quad

For fans of The Bard, last night’s ‘Shake the Quad’ event was the ideal way to spend a summer evening. Under a perfect twilight sky, the crowd lounged on pillows and ate picnic dinners in Saints Café Quad as they watched scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. The Year 9-13 students had been rehearsing since the start of term at lunchtimes, after school and on weekends in preparation to perform on the unique stage. A total of 46 drama students were involved in roles as cast members and directors, as well as prop, costume and set making. The event was part of the build up to competing in the upcoming SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.

The scenes were either 5 or 15 minutes long and from Shakespeare’s popular and lesser known works. There were traditional performances mixed with novel interpretations, including Capulets and Montagues fighting with ‘Star Wars’ light sabres and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ set in the 1950s style of ‘Grease’ and ‘Footloose’. In between, MCs Sam Ashton and Jack Horsnell kept the audience entertained with their witty banter.

Congratulations to all of the students who took the stage and worked behind the scenes and we wish you well in next week’s competition! 

Click here to see more photos.