Our heartfelt thanks to JMO Theatrics for their stunning performance of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
It was an epic morning in the Chapel on Tuesday as JMO Theatrics brought their rendition of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to the college. Actors Josiah Morgan and Elisa Jones, and Director Khalil Qualis had developed their new version of the play as a two-hander, with the entire script divided up between just two actors (and the occasional bit of help from the crew!).
The performance was held with traverse staging, with the two actors performing on a narrow corridor at ground level while the audience watch from either side. It really felt like the students were playing the part of the roman public as the characters addressed them directly, conjuring plenty of audience interaction through their Brechtian-style performance.
We were thoroughly impressed by the quality of acting on display as both Josiah and Elisa switched between multiple characters - Josiah, playing both Brutus and Cassius (the play's co-lead roles) created strong separation between the two characters in dialogue using contrasting body language, speech and mannerisms. A masterclass for our young actors in training!
After the show, our Year 11 Drama students got a great opportunity to chat to the performers and learn about how the idea came to fruition and the mahi that goes on behind the scenes.
When asked about the idea to hold a schools' tour this year, we learnt that JMO love performing to schools as they get great, honest feedback from the students - who tend to be less reserved in their reactions than adults! They particularly enjoy performing Shakespeare, which is written to be performed at volume to a boisterous crowd, promoting audience participation.
We wish JMO all the best for the remainder of their schools' tour, and for their public performance of the show at Dunedin Fringe this weekend.
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