A group of Year 11 and 12 drama students are currently preparing to take the stage in a five minute performance of the feast of Crispian, from Shakespeare's Henry V, for the SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.
This year, Year 12 student directors Harper Milne and Reid Penwarden are directing their peers in the five minute student directed category, using Act IV scene iii from Henry V. They are well into rehearsals, meeting twice a week at lunchtimes, before the festival performance in week 10 of this term.
The feast of Crispian speech is delivered by King Henry V of England before the Battle of Agincourt, rallying his troops for what appears to be a hopeless fight against the French. When Henry delivers his oration to his troops, he urges them on to win glory in the battle. Montjoy, again, comes to establish the terms of Henry's ransom, and Henry, again, refuses to be ransomed, should be be defeated and captured.
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers", is one of the most famous passages from William Shakespeare's play "Henry V. It is also well known in our college. It is printed above the main doors to the Gymnasium. How many times have you walked through those doors, not knowing it was actually from Shakespearean play?
The speech encapsulates the themes of unity, courage, sacrifice, and leadership that are central to the play "Henry V" and resonates with audiences due to its powerful language and timeless message.
Harper and Reid are taking a more modern military approach to the scene, which includes actors Glenn Ericsson (playing Henry V), as well as Timothy Stevens, Benjamin Eckhoff, Andrew Grounds, and Tee Kiatwattanakorn. Both Reid and Harper feature in the scene as well, to complete the ensemble.
The Otago Regional Festival is on Thursday 4th April at the King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre (270 Bayview Road, Dunedin) and the public is invited to attend.
Adjudicated Performance Sessions are between:
- 9am - 10.30am
- 11am - 12.30pm
- 1pm - 3pm
The Evening Showcase and Awards are between:
- 6pm - 7.30pm
Ticket prices are: Adults $10, Students $5.
We wish these students all the best for their performance. Chookas!
Open Event Registration - Interested in enrolling?
Employment opportunities - click if you're interested in working at McGlashan.