Spotlight on: Our Lady Star of the Sea School

Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Auckland's Howick was the very first school in New Zealand to perform Birds of a Feather - and even more exciting, we were invited to go along! As the playwright, I was even more nervous than usual to see my work up on stage. I needn't have been - it was incredible!

As we were shown to our front-row seats in the wonderfully spacious auditorium, the sound of native bird song echoed around. The stage was strewn with colourful feathers and the backdrop was netting hung with beautiful, handdrawn birds. The newsreaders desk was stage-left ('Ground-breaking news at it unfolds!') and the stage was graced with an astonishingly large tree ('Tāne Mahuta'). Principal Louise Campbell told me this took eight men, a flatbed truck and a hydraulic lift to get on stage - but don't panic! This tree is NOT in the script! 

The production was performed by the school's senior syndicate, the spacious venue allowing large groups of birds to remain up- and side-stage during the action. The best one or two dancers from each group stood on the floor in front of the audience to 'lead' the others - a great idea as the dancers had someone to copy at all times. 

Lead actor Millie Berry gave a hilarious, word-perfect performance as TV reporter Jemma-Lee and later wrote to Hī Hā. She is happy for us to share her words:

"I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful play. I built strong relationships with my cast, it truly was an unforgettable experience."  

Star of the Sea, you are true stars!