Students tackle Michael Joseph Savage

Students tackle Michael Joseph Savage and the Great Depression

UCOL Performing Arts students will bring Michael Joseph Savage to life (and death) in their production of Comrade Savage later this month.

The flamboyant play about the former Labour Prime Minister was especially chosen for the Certificate of Performing Arts students by their Programme Leader Penni Bousfield.

“I felt this particular group of students would enjoy this highly theatrical piece.” Regardless of the serious subject matter, Comrade Savage was originally written by Alan Brunton for the infamously surreal, cabaret style of The Red Mole Theatre Company. “The over the top antics result in actual clowning during the play,” says Penni.

Comrade Savage also fulfilled other essential criteria by including singing and dance numbers and having enough roles for the entire class to take part.

The production is counted as the final assignment of the six month full time Certificate programme and the cast are experiencing an intense rehearsal period. “They are rehearsing all day, every day for three weeks,” says Penni. “It is the same intensity they would expect if they were professional actors.”

As part of their preparation the students were required to research the depression era and Savage's political career.

“I wondered how a group of 2009 teenagers would react to a play essentially about a politician set in the depression – but they are eating it up,” says Penni. “They are seeing the parallels with what is happening in the world around them now.”

Michael Joseph Savage’s Labour government swept into power in 1935 and is best remembered for its landmark social welfare reforms. Savage was idolised by many New Zealanders. His photograph continued to hang on sitting room walls for many years after his death in 1940.
Comrade Savage will be performed in the Buckman Studio in the UCOL Performing Arts building from 17 – 19 June.
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