Fury, Wit, and Shakespearean Grit
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. The words of William Congreve may predate Shakespeare’s plays, but they ring true in the fiery and formidable female characters who took centre stage at this year’s Shake the Quad. From the cunning Merry Wives of Windsor to the relentless wrath of Lady Macbeth, the College’s annual Shakespeare festival brought to life some of the Bard’s most commanding women.
Once again, the Goodfellow Quad transformed into a 16th-century stage, where the largest cast yet – over eighty students – performed nine different scenes from Shakespeare’s plays
The festival opened with A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act III, Scene II), setting the tone for an evening of impassioned performances. However, it was the modern twist on The Merry Wives of Windsor (Act III, Scene I), directed by Lucy Street and Gem Williams, that had the audience in stitches. The playful reimagining breathed fresh comedic life into the story of Sir John Falstaff’s misadventures.
Lighter moments were balanced by the chilling weight of Titus Andronicus (Act III, Scene I). The infamous Lady Macbeth also made her presence known, as Macbeth's various scenes took the audience deep into the psychological torment of unchecked ambition.
Reflecting on the event, co-producer Dr Jamie Sneddon shared his admiration for the students: “Watching young actors and directors bring new life and energy to Shakespeare's plays is a highlight of my co-curricular involvement at the College. They are an eclectic group of excited and excitable young thespians.”
While the festival is a showcase of talent in its own right, all of these performances will also be entered into the Auckland Central Regional competition, with the hope of advancing to the national University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival in Wellington later this year.
As the final bows were taken beneath a dimming sky, one thing was clear – Shakespeare’s heroines (and villains) will never be silenced. Their voices, just as commanding now as they were centuries ago, continue to challenge the intellects of those who watch.
