The Tauranga Shakespeare Festival is poised to commence its first-ever celebration on April 15th with the premiere of Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, “Macbeth,” at the renowned 16th Ave Theatre. This inaugural event marks a collaboration between CRAFT Management Charitable Trust, 16th Ave Theatre, and MHO Endeavours, promising an engaging and enriching cultural experience for the community.
The festival will feature nightly performances of “Macbeth” from April 15th through April 23rd, under the esteemed direction of Harry Oram. This collaboration seeks not only to entertain but also to educate, offering workshops and internships in Set Design, Sound Technology, and Lighting, facilitated by the professionals at 16th Ave Theatre. These initiatives aim to provide invaluable skill enhancement in these critical areas of theater production.
In conjunction with the play, the festival is thrilled to present its second installment of ‘Shakespeare in The Village’ at the Historic Village on Sunday April 21st. The day-long celebration, beginning at 10 am with an opening ceremony, will immerse attendees in the world of medieval and Shakespearean culture. Highlights include Artisan stalls, a Medieval market commencing at 11 am, and a variety of interactive activities:
● Medieval Sportsmanship: Engage in axe throwing, archery, and enjoy enthralling dueling and combat demonstrations, curated by Alex Holloway of NZ Screen and Stage Combat School.
● Shakespeare Unplugged Exhibition: A call for artists is currently open for submissions, hosted by The Incubator and The People’s Gallery.
● Poetry and Performance Workshops: Including a love sonnet poetry workshop led by Jenny Argante from Tauranga Writers, and a special screening of “Shakespeare in Love.”
● Dance and Merriment: Featuring maypole and medieval Elizabethan dancing with Ann Dugmore and the Lightfoot Dance Troupe, alongside a children’s dress-up booth offering a delightful array of Elizabethan costumes.
Adding to the festival’s competitive spirit, a monologue and a scene competition are announced, with prizes of $500 and $1,000 respectively. Open to participants of all ages, these competitions will feature both junior and senior categories, encouraging widespread community involvement.
Since its inception as a modest 2-hour event in Coronation Park in 2022, the Tauranga Shakespeare Festival has seen remarkable growth. This year, the addition of “Macbeth” to the program and the expansion of the village activities underscore the festival’s commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Tauranga.
Experience the magic of the Bard’s work brought to life in an unforgettable setting, and partake in a festival that promises to be a highlight of Tauranga’s cultural calendar.
For tickets, scheduling, and additional information, please click here.
