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Unitec Play Brings Gender Conversation Into Focus

  • Boys Production shot
    Image: Benny Joy Smith Photography

Unitec's School of Creative Industries' theatre production of Boys, Eleanor Bishop’s wild, smart, and confronting deconstruction of Greg McGee's iconic Kiwi play Foreskin's Lament, has left an indelible mark on audiences after a highly successful six-show season at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre last week.

4 October 2022

The performance received standing ovations in all the shows, with patrons and industry guests glowing in their praise of the young cast of Unitec Year 2 Acting students under the astute direction of Cherie Moore.

"Congratulations to the incredible cast, their vulnerability on that stage today will build a better society." 

"I was really impressed with the work Cherie and the cast did with the script - great to see them making it their own." 

"I thought the show was exceptional and a great production for these young actors. Cherie has done incredible work. Great stuff Cherie and Unitec!"

"Quite confronting but thought-provoking and really well managed by the talented cast, who clearly had some excellent direction." 

Vanessa Byrnes, Head of School for Creative Industries, remarked: "It was thrilling to see the audience go on this journey of revelation with the cast and crew tonight, and to see the actors courageously stand in their vulnerability and power as people and as actors. We need live theatre more than ever to connect, provoke, and engage. I’m excited about their future careers. Well done to all."

Cast member and Year 2 Acting student Gisele Proud said being part of the play is the reason why she wants to be a professional actor.

"Moira, the character I play, is the accumulation of all my training at Unitec so far, the strength, the power, the vulnerability, the bravery," she explains. "As a woman, I feel seen through this play. I believe that this play has the power to ignite immense change in our culture and I am honoured to be a part of it."

Director Cherie Moore couldn't be prouder of her cast. "This process has asked a lot of them, and they have given so readily and bravely. I've seen them grow in their craft, their self-awareness, and their ability to have an honest conversation. These young people make me hopeful for the future."

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