I've been involved in a project for a few months following a group of Auckland "streeties" as they rehearsed to put together a drama production. The show is called the Last Chance Cafe and will be opening this Wednesday, 29th of October, at the Herald Theater in Auckland.
Its been an amazing process to watch a group of people with very little acting experience, attend weekly rehearsals for months on end to put the show together. All of the actors either live rough at present or have done so in the past. Its really humbling every week when I'm catching the bus home to my warm bed to think of some of these guys walking back to wherever they're going to sleep that night.
I've felt really privileged to be allowed to attend the rehearsals and watch everyone gain in confidence and self belief as they've grown into their characters. In the beginning everyone was nervous and it was a group of individuals. Over time they've gained a sense of purpose and belonging, and worked hard to fine tune their own acting skills.
Watching some of the final scene rehearsals this week was really satisfying to see how far everyone had come in such a short time. Its exciting to think they will get the chance to perform to a paying audience and I cant wait to see what this does for everyone involved
The crew have been supported by a few amazing people who have coached and supported the whole project. Boni Tukiwaho, and Bronwyn Bent have been the directors and acting coaches and put so much time into supporting and devising the whole project year on year. Wilf Holt and the Auckland City Mission help out so much with venues and support for everyone. Sahar Lone and Auckland Live have worked hard to organize the theater and promote the final shows. There have been so many people who have generously given so much to provide this experience for the cast and eventually the viewing public of Auckland.
I hope the Auckland public will support the show by attending what is a pretty unique event on a world scale.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster