This term, Martinborough School worked hard to put together our school production, Icons of Aotearoa. What started as an idea from the senior students sitting around a table turned into a comical, fun and entertaining show that brought the whole school together.
Icons of Aotearoa followed three students, a teacher and a very special talking bus as they travelled on a road trip around New Zealand. Along the way, they visited famous places and learned about New Zealand’s history, culture and iconic people and places.
The talking bus was definitely one of the funniest parts of the production – and, in my opinion, the BEST character!
Our journey took us to many well-known destinations around Aotearoa, including Masterton, Kaikōura, Rotorua, Wellington, Taupō, Mount Cook, Auckland, Waiouru, Hobbiton, Milford Sound and Christchurch.
A huge amount of hard work went into making the production happen. Evie Firth played the teacher, while Ruby Fenwick, Indy Gudsell and Vann Morrissey played the three students. I played the narrator, who was also the talking bus. We spent many lunchtimes and our free time practising our lines, scenes and performances.
There were also many supporting roles and people working behind the scenes. Waipuna Waata Dawson, Anahera Te Kani Nicholson, Charlie Griffiths, Tessa Welsh, Manaia Sinclair, Niamh Wallace and Poppy Bruce all played important roles and helped with costumes, props and scenery.
Each class had its own special item representing a different part of Aotearoa.
Masterton showcased the Golden Shears, complete with cheeky sheep, a dog and farmers. Kaikōura featured whales, while Wellington brought the Beehive to life with busy bees dancing and fluttering to Flight of the Bumblebee. Hobbiton was filled with hobbits, and Milford Sound showed tourists enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Christchurch remembered the earthquake, while Waiouru showed off the skills of the Army with marching and a quick, snappy dance.
One of the best things about our production was that every student had the chance to be involved. Whether they were acting, dancing, singing or helping behind the scenes, everyone played a part.
After all the rehearsals, practising and hard work, it was awesome to finally see all the different parts come together on stage. Icons of Aotearoa was a really fun experience, and it was something our whole school could be proud of.
