NZQA Standard 1.6: ‘Perform an acting role in a scripted production’

Each year, our Senior College drama students perform their NCEA assessment pieces for an audience. Often edgy productions that push the boundaries for the students and audience alike, these ‘mini productions’ have become more sophisticated with each passing year. With minimal props and costuming, the focus is placed clearly on the actors and their stage craft; their ability to not only deliver their lines but to use complex dramatic skills to fully engage their audience.

The first productions of this year’s Play Series were performed over two nights this week by our NCEA Level 1 drama students in Year 11, to meet the requirements of NZQA Standard 1.6: ‘Perform an acting role in a scripted production.’

Two plays were performed: Dennis Kelly’s ‘DNA,’ directed by Ms Sara Standring and Franz Kafka’s ‘The Trial’, directed by Ms Naomi Wilson. For those privileged to attend, they witnessed true theatre in the making. As students poured heart and soul into their roles, it was hard to believe that these were ‘just’ assessment pieces rather than full-scale productions!

DNA
By Dennis Kelly
Director: Sara Standring
Theatre forms: Social Realism, tragedy, physical theatre

DNA focusses on a group of teenagers, who could be described as a ‘gang’, who come to terms with the consequence of a practical joke that ends in tragedy for one of their classmates. When they realise the terrible mistake they have made, they try to cover up their crime, but inadvertently implicate an innocent man in the process. At each moment when they could come clean, the group instead weaves a darker, more complex web of lies.

DNA is a morality play that mostly deals in tragedy with some funny moments that give it light, shade and complexity. The themes include guilt and responsibility around bullying in the forms of verbal, mental and physical abuse. This was something that the students in the cast could relate to in one way or another, and as a result, it generated captivating class discussions around the bystander role and the consequences for not speaking up or going against the grain.

From the beginning of the process, the class really embraced the play and handled the dark subject matter with honesty and maturity. They also came together to create the interwoven, physical theatre sections that were inspired from images and language associated with the play. For some students, this was a new challenge and for others, it gave them a chance to lead and direct their friends. Above all, the class showed great care and respect for each other and drama teacher, Ms Standring said, ‘They have been an absolute joy to work with!’

THE TRIAL by Franz Kafka adapted by Stephen Berkoff.
Director: Naomi Wilson
Theatre forms: Absurdism, Macabre, Mime, Berkoffian Theatre.

The Trial is a macabre adaptation of Franz Kafka’s short story of the same name. Joseph K, the protagonist, is a respectable bank officer who is suddenly and inexplicably arrested and must defend himself - even though he doesn’t know what his crime is, or who is charging him. The play is inspired by Berkoff’s physical style of theatre, where people become objects and time melts and places shift. The ensemble, who remain onstage throughout the production, encircle ‘K’ portraying his subconscious views and those of society.

Joseph K was played by two actors who took an act apiece to portray him as ‘the everyman,’ whilst the rest of the actors took on characters who are almost too surreal to believe. This was an intended enactment to reflect the absurdity of K’s situation to the audience, and highlight the level of corruption he was facing, for as Berkoff suggests, the play is not only a comment on corruption of power in society but also the danger of what could happen to our spirit if we live a life free of risk. 

This was a challenging play for the students, but Ms Wilson said that as soon as she began teaching this group, she knew they would rise to it! She said, ‘For most of them, the style of the play was completely new, so I have been impressed with their collaborative and supportive approach to devising the complex choreography and staging. They had the perfect balance of good humour and hard-work and I hope that is reflected in their performance.’

The two Year 11 plays were a superb evening of theatre and we look forward to seeing these students on the stage in coming years.

PLAY SERIES PART TWO: YEAR 12
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Dance Studios 7pm, 21-22 June

PLAY SERIES PART THREE: YEAR 13
Decade by Headlong Theatre and various playwrights.
Dance Studios 7pm, 5-6 July

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