Armando Ruta visits Whitireia for two weeks
Armando Ruta (more commonly known as 'Tux' by Whitireia staff) is the first tutor to visit New Zealand in an exchange
programme with Miriam College in the Philippines. He arrived here on Monday (28th July) to teach drama and will stay
here until the 10th August. After a week of induction, Armando will begin teaching classes, in collaboration with the
head of the Whitireia stage and screen acting programme, Richard Finn. Although he will be teaching within the Whitireia
curriculum, Armando is able to bring speciality knowledge and skills to the course from his own experiences, to provide
insights into different traditions and practices.
Armando has a Fine Arts Degree and a Masters in Theatre. He will share a plethora of knowledge and experience in stage
productions, set design, costume and lighting design, as well as the fundamentals of stage and screen acting.
Miriam College is a catholic, all female college in the Philippines. Previously, this relationship has enabled us to
have student exchanges - where our Arts students are given the opportunity to travel to this college, live and study and
likewise we have hosted students from the Philippines and supported them in experiencing study and life in New Zealand.
The relationship between Whitireia and Miriam College is an extremely valuable one. As well as providing amazing
opportunities for exchanges, it also benefits from the exhibitions and other events Whitireia Community Polytechnic
produces to support New Zealand events in The Philippines.
Reflecting on his trip so far; Armando has noted that the weather is 'very interesting' and that he thinks New Zealand
is an amazing place - he feels particular awe in regards to our wide roads and our empty streets.
ENDS