Rangi Ruru Wins Top Theatre Award Across The Tasman

21 September 2014

Christchurch’s Rangi Ruru Wins Top Theatre Award Across The Tasman

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School senior theatre scholars have taken away Best Play First Prize, Best Director, and Best Set Design at The Brisbane Arts Theatre Festival this weekend for their production of ‘Crave’ by British Playwright Sarah Kane.

The senior drama students competed in the open category despite there being a youth section / festival. This was because of the language and content of ‘Crave’, a play often described as an “extreme theatre piece” for “mature audiences”.

Brisbane Arts Theatre Artistic Director and Festival Adjudicator, John Boyce, praised the girls for their extraordinary discipline and ensemble work.

Rangi Ruru Director of Theatre Arts, Robert Gilbert says his students have shown that they can perform at the highest level.

“They have consistently demonstrated that they can come together and create theatre magic. I am immensely proud of them. What a special group of young actors. It has been a privilege to be part of their journey.”

The South East Queensland Theatre Festival circuit links ten festivals from June to September each year, culminating in the Brisbane Arts Theatre Festival. Typically, many of the top theatre groups enter several of these festivals to improve their craft, and develop their production. Most groups also have seasons of these productions in their own theatres. This was Rangi Ruru’s first attempt.

The same group of students won ‘Best Production’ at the Norfolk Island Theatre Festival last year with ‘Bottom’s Tale – excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Full results, Brisbane Arts Theatre Festival

"Crave" - Rangi Ruru Girls’ School (Best Play First Prize, Best Director, Best Set Design) "Ambergris" - KSP Theatre (Second Best Play, Best Australian Script, Best Actress - Drama, Best Supporting Actress, Adjudicator's Award)

"Tincture" - Excalibur Theatre Company (Third Best Play, Best Actor - Drama)

"Memento Mori" - Beenleigh Theatre Group (Best Actor - Comedy)

"John's Ring" - Cat in the Window Productions (Best Actress - Comedy, Adjudicator's Award)

"Rock In The Water" – SRT (Best Supporting Actor, Best Backstage Conduct, Adjudicator's Award)

"Held" - Downstage Theatre (Adjudicator's Award)

"Henna Night" - Black Mirror Theatre Company (Adjudicator's Award)

ENDS

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