"Mad world! Mad Kings! Mad composition!"

“What if the military deployed an elite storytelling unit to areas of conflict? What if this unit told a story about the futility and madness of war as a means of resolving conflict? What if the audience heard the story and were moved to change?”

These were some of the questions director Jacque Drew posed for the cast and designers in preparation for staging a play that is rarely performed (perhaps never before in New Zealand) because of its complexity - Shakespeare's seldom-seen first history play ‘King John’.

Drew, an American, commented, “The Life and Death of King John is an exploration of the reign of what historians have called "England's worst King". His rein was filled with conflict, breeding war after war based on rash decisions and partisan politics. Fast forward to 2007. Sound familiar?”

Given the current state of world politics, it is a fitting work to be offered to Auckland audiences outdoors in the twilight of summer.

The Life and Death of King John is a complex socio-political snapshot of an inept ruler desperately trying to maintain his authority by waging an unjust war, and contains some of the Bard's sharpest, wittiest, most quotable dialogue.

'Strong reasons make strange actions" suggests a philosophical pretender to the English throne. That tasty little quote is uttered by Lewis, the son of the French King Philip, who, through obscure marital connections, has laid legal claim to the country of England.

It is not an easy play to stage, veering from long scenes in which diplomats argue over the fates of England and France, to frighteningly tense bits such as when a young prince is sentenced to have his eyes burned out with a red-hot poker.

Veteran theatre designer John Parker has been tutoring and collaborating with the students of the Graduate Diploma in Design to realise the design elements for this unique outdoor performance.

In preparing the actors, Drew has used methodology seldom seen in NZ theatre – Tadashi Suzuki’s methods and echoes of Japanese theatre forms: Butoh, Noh and Kabuki.

“As a theatre artist I believe that storytelling, particularly in the form of theatre, has the power to transform. It appeals to our intellect, our emotion, and our senses. It illustrates the essence of our humanity.” Drew suggests. “It is my premise that one day our soldiers will become artist/warriors, occupying areas of conflict with an assault of pure humanity, leaving consolidated communities in their wake, filled with the inspiration to overcome conflicts without resorting to war. Naïve? Perhaps. Simplistic? Sure. Possible? Why not?”

Bring a blanket, the mozzie spray, a picnic, and wear some layers (dress for the weather) to enjoy the end of summer, Shakespeare style.

The Life and Death of King John (Year 3 Acting)
Thursday 29 March to Saturday April 7 at 7pm. (not including April 1 or April 6)
Matinees: Saturday 31 March and April 7 at 2pm
Venue: Outside on Campus grounds (behind Building 202, Entry One Carrington Rd, Pt Chevalier)

Bookings through iTICKET. www.iticket.co.nz (09) 361 1000