New Director puts social change at the heart of her work

New Director puts social change at the heart of her work in Wellington

Hilary Penwarden to consult the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network for advice on Shakespeare'sMeasure for Measure

Hilary Penwarden, member of theatre company The Bacchanals, returned from London inspired to try directing – and has ended up founding a new theatre company with social change at its heart.

Penwarden recently returned from Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand's Emerging Theatre Practitioners' Programme, a three month internship at the Globe Theatre in London. Previously focused on acting, the experience inspired her to try directing, and while still overseas she chose William Shakespeare's famously problematic Measure for Measure for her first production.

While exploring the text before rehearsals, Penwarden realised that she needed help in addressing some of the more problematic aspects of its portrayal of sexual violence, and approached the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network [SAPN]. The cast has been able to benefit from advice from cast member and SAPN co-ordinator Fiona McNamara. “I'm particularly grateful for the supportive relationship we’ve set up with the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network where we can call on them for advice, as this play is notoriously problematic in its depiction of sexual politics. In turn we can raise awareness for the outstanding work they are doing in our community,” says Penwarden.

Working with SAPN made Penwarden think about other plays she would like to work on from a feminist viewpoint – and other organisations with whom she would like to work. “There are so many great organisations with whom collaboration could enrich our work as theatre artists,” says Penwarden. “And for a relatively small city, Wellington has a solid history of incredible theatre. The fact that anyone with a good idea can put on a show at a professional theatre venue like BATS is just something you don’t get in other capitals around the world.” The desire to keep producing work has led Penwarden to found a company, Friends for Juliet, about which Penwarden says, “We are using theatre as a vehicle for social change. Friends for Juliet want to use text based theatre to help make a platform for those voices that are underrepresented (on stage and off stage) and encourage intersectional feminist virtues. As our first show,Measure for Measure is really rich in its exploration of humanity and I can’t think of a more exciting project to be tackling as a new director.”

Measure for Measure

Written by William Shakespeare / Directed by Hilary Penwarden

7pm, 1 September – 5 September

BATS Theatre

BOOKINGS: BATS Theatre www.bats.co.nz

TICKETS:

Full: $18/Concession: $14/Groups 6+: $13/Students: $10 on Wednesday

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