The stage ignites... and so does the character of Creusa!

Devised by Ms Fridd, our McGlashan Theatrefest entry, The Real Housewives of Colchis, made its mark on the audience at the 2025 Region 7 Theatrefest Competition in Dunedin. While we didn't advance to the South Island final, our short production earned significant recognition, proudly taking home THREE awards!

The three Theatrefest awards included:

Two acting awards for our outstanding leads, Glenn Ericsson (Jason) and Jessica Mundy (Medea)

The Award for Best Overall Design (which included stylistic choices incorporating projections, lighting, sound, costume, props, and staging).

The Real Housewives of Colchis re-imagined the classic Greek tragedy of Medea in the contemporary style of Epic Theatre and Reality TV. The production featured a split-focus stage, showcasing Medea, Jason, and new-flame, Creusa's storylines as a live reality TV show (with a TV studio Stage Manager and cameraman), alongside a chorus of reality TV fans reacting to the unfolding drama.

The play delves into Medea's intense vengeance after Jason leaves her for Creusa , culminating in a dramatic and explosive "gift" exchange, leaving the character of Creusa going up in flames. We were thrilled to have some of our previous drama students from Columba College join us for this Theatrefest entry and it was wonderful to work creatively with them again.

A huge congratulations to our wonderful cast and crew for their mahi and dedication over this past term, rehearsing for Theatrefest every week in our school drama room after school.

The cast and crew included:

• Glenn Ericsson

• Jessica Mundy

• Sophie Canton

• Keren Basel

• Andrew Grounds

• Timothy Stevens

• Ruby Scott

• Reid Pendwarden

• Reuben Tulloch - on lighting

• Harrison Bird (who sadly couldn't perform due to an illness)