Culture

After a week off I’m sure it’s safe to say that, for most of us, we’re not at all rested. Cramming in working on assignments between crazy nights out? It’s what the break is really for. Now that we’re back in the swing of things, however uninvited it may be, it’s time to get serious. It’s time to look for even more ways to procrastinate and avoid working. As a Theatre major, I am somewhat biased, but here is what I suggest: Going out to a show. Our humble wee town is full to the brim of talented performers just waiting to get something on the stage. After the small post-Fringe lull the Dunedin theatre scene is revving up again. From the newly opened Red at the Fortune Theatre to the soon to open Lovepuke at the Globe Theatre, there’s something for everyone. And just think of the benefits, demonstrated here in this handy list!

1. First and foremost it’s a legitimate excuse to dress up, spend the evening drinking champagne in heels and saying “Oh darling!” – which, let me tell you, is a great night out.
2. It leaves you feeling cultured and educated, particularly if you can impressively mention it in conversations with actual adults. It’s up there with art exhibitions; people love to hear the youth of today are creative beings.
3. As the weather begins to turn against us long walks on the beach are no longer on the cards, let’s be honest. Plus it’s so far away! Theatres? Totally central to Uni and town. Yay!
4. Another benefit to living in a University-driven town is the level of student discounts available. Almost every production I’ve seen this year has been at a decent student price, with some theatres even offering yearlong subscriptions for students.
5. Finally, we’ve got our very own weekly productions here at Allen Hall. You pay more for a coffee that you do for a Lunchtime Theatre ticket ($3). Why feel energized from caffeine when you could feel crazy energized from watching your fellow peers in the limelight?

After that you’ve really got no choice but to go along and widen your horizons by seeing all of the creativity in our fine town. You can keep an eye out here for more information or in the variety of other fantastic – and free – publications around. I hope this has been an inspiring lecture on theatre and you all feel compelled to watch something meaningful this very second, or at least pretend you do. No? Okay. Better go get that coffee before your next class.