Howick Little Theatre’s next stage offering poses ethical questions about how far people are willing to go in the name of science.
Its telling of award-winning Kiwi playwright Gary Henderson’s dramatic play Shepherd is directed by Nathan Hey and opens on September 10.
Hey says the play is set in Fiordland in the South Island in the not-too-distant future.
“There’s been a new scientific discovery that’s allowed a breakthrough in the medical world and it focuses on one of the farms producing the animals this medicine is based on, so it’s looking at the ethics of that.
“It’s a fantastic play and it’s one of the most challenging and intriguing ones I’ve ever read.”
He says despite the futuristic and scientific elements of the story, the audience will be able to keep up.
“There are multiple layers to it. It’s got something for over-thinkers and for people who just want to enjoy some good entertainment.
“It’s more of a dramatic story and there are quite a few action sequences.
“There are also a few laughs but it’s definitely not a comedy.”
The last play of Henderson’s staged by Howick Little Theatre was Peninsula, which Hey says people “raved about”.
Something that makes Shepherd different is its use of multi-media and the way it blends film and stage, he says.
“It’s pretty special. When I look for plays to direct, I look for talent and something different from the norm.
“There’s commentary on the ethics of big pharmaceutical companies and what lines they’re willing to cross for a buck.
“I think it’s a really good story to get people thinking.
“I don’t think this case [the plot] could ever happen but, that said, who actually knows?
“We are discovering new species all the time so it’s potentially possible.”
He says the cast has seven actors who he describes as a “great group and they’re very hard-working”.
“They’re all amazing to work with. We’ve been doing quite a bit of filming out on location.
“The hardest thing has been that some of the set design is very challenging.
“We haven’t done these sorts of effects on stage at Howick Little Theatre before.
“It’s been trial and error, but we finally got there.”
Hey predicts local theatre lovers will be disappointed if they don’t get along to see Shepherd.
“It’s something different because we typically do a comedy and then a romantic comedy, and this is breaking new ground which is really exciting. Hopefully, in future, we do more shows like this.”
- Shepherd
Directed by Nathan Hey
Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga
Season: September 10 to October 1, shows at 8pm, with 2pm matinees on September 11 and 18. www.hlt.org.nz
