Shakespearian actor heading for London
Motueka’s Ngahere Hedlund is raising funds for his study and performance next year at the Globe Theatre in London. Photo: Supplied.
Local youth Ngahere Hedlund has been selected to attend the Youth Shakespeare Company next year in London, one of only two selected from Nelson Tasman.
Ngahere, who is in Year 12 at Motueka High School, says that when he performed in the local Shakespeare festival he had no idea that going to London was a possibility.
“I am very excited. It’s a great opportunity and I feel really grateful to have that.”
Every year Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) holds regional festivals around the country, and the top pieces are sent to Nationals in Wellington.
Forty students are then chosen to attend the National Schools Shakespeare Production, a week-long preparation of extracts directed by some of the best directors in the country. From that, 24 students have been chosen to travel to London next year to attend workshops and perform on the stage at the Globe Theatre.
“This is a very high honour to be selected,” says SGCNZ Nelson Bays’ regional co-ordinator, Annie Millard.
“Ngahere is such a worthy recipient and a credit to our region. He is a stand-out performer.”
As representatives of New Zealand, the two-week study and performance tour allows the students to work with leading world-class tutors and directors. The students get to see some of England’s best theatre practitioners and experience performance at the Globe Theatre.
Many would have seen Ngahere’s acting skills earlier this year as King Creon in ‘Antigone’ at Motueka High School’s first theatre production since Covid.
“I hope to get some great theatre expertise, and as I’ve never been overseas before, I’m looking forward to the life experience of travelling overseas.”
For this once-in-a-lifetime chance, Ngahere has to raise $11,000. There will be a quiz night at Sprig & Fern Motueka, and he is still working out other means to raise money including donations for a raffle which will be done with the school.
Ngahere enjoys performing and wants to take it further. Performing at the Globe Theatre in London will stand him in good stead for getting into New Zealand Drama School Toi Phakaari in Wellington which he would like to attend once he finishes school.