More than 400 staff, students and members of the public supported a unique theatre challenge last week
After overseeing two classic Shakespeare plays in four days at Inveresk’s Annexe Theatre last week, a tired but relieved director Robert Lewis has thanked UTAS staff and students for their support.
In one of the biggest theatre challenges in the School of Visual and Performing Arts’ 10 year history, a group of 20 second year theatre students pulled off six separate performances of Richard III and Othello without a hitch.
Many of the performers had multiple roles in both plays, with some tackling up to seven different characters.
“I was very pleased with it,” Mr Lewis said.
“The students were all very tired by the end, but I think they each learned something about themselves through the process.
“The plays were very well received; we had extremely good houses …
“We had nearly 400 people come through, which is very, very good in terms of numbers, so we would like to thank everyone who came along to support it.”
Mr Lewis said the successful performances showed that it was possible for a team of people to achieve anything they set their minds to.
Asked what he had planned for students next year, Mr Lewis was coy.
“Maybe four shows,” he laughed.
“No, I think we will do something on a smaller scale, but still something classical.
“Now I want to touch base with some really truthful performances and look at more pragmatic acting methodology.”