Sharp, Satirical, Still Relevant: Youth Theatre Bites Back With Squawk

On its 10-year anniversary, Wellington Young Actors are bringing back — and sharpening — their 2016 original play Squawk. The current creative team, aged 12–18, were mostly just starting primary school when Squawk first appeared in the NZ Fringe Festival. The original cast tackled bold topics — body image, politics, family violence, consent, and global issues — themes that remain painfully relevant today.

In this revival, the new ensemble has kept the story intact, focusing on strengthening its messages and sharpening its dark humour.

Wellington Young Actors train at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre under director Deborah Rea. Past productions include Much Ado About Nothing (Lower Hutt Little Theatre, 2024) and Lady Windermere’s Fan (BATS, 2023), alongside at least one production a year for over 12 years.

Squawk is a satirical, coming-of-age fairytale with a modern twist. The play rips open the glossy surface of traditional tales, revealing their fragile foundations and holding a mirror up to our own world. The students wanted to explore the jarring contrast between the perfect worlds promised in childhood and the realities they’ve grown up to face.

Since May, the cast have been immersed in weekday and weekend rehearsals. They are not just acting — they are designing sets and costumes, managing marketing, running fundraising campaigns, and taking on all production roles. This hands-on approach equips them with the skills to thrive in theatre — whether on stage, backstage, or running a company of their own.

Rea, a familiar face on the Wellington stage and screen (Shortland Street, indie feature Jake), has led the company for over 12 years:

“New Zealand’s industry is small. Being able to create and produce your own work is an absolute must-have skill to ensure any kiwi actor’s survival. At 12–17 years old, these actors already have the tools to stage their own work — and to find employment in design, fundraising, marketing, and production. Hopefully one day they’ll also hire me.” — Deborah Rea

Squawk

Wellington Young Actors

7pm, 4-6 September 2025

4pm matinee 6 September 2025

BATS Theatre - Tickets $15/$25
www.bats.co.nz

www.wellingotnyoungactors.com

© Scoop Media