'Pretending to be Human' — as only these students would!

What does a playwright think when watching their work come to life on stage? More specifically, what might Helen Vivienne Fletcher think of a combined colleges’ production of “Pretending to be Human” in Blenheim?

Marlborough Boys’ College and Marlborough Girls’ College students in the cast and crew may well find out this week, as the writer has indicated she will attend one of the four performances at the MGC Hall and also facilitate a workshop at the school.

Lest her charges feel extra pressure, director and MGC theatre teacher Naomi Barton did not spread the word. But it’s hard to keep this sort of word from spreading, so even before Tuesday night’s opening, some already knew.

One in the know was Ava Petersen, one of the leads in the comedic drama about teenagers facing common challenges – anxiety, self-esteem, bullying – amid decidedly uncommon circumstances. The work resonates with her.

“Obviously it’s quite heavy with its subjects, but it goes about it in a way that’s relatable to young people,” she explained during a break in Friday afternoon’s rehearsal. “I think that’s powerful and really amazing that Helen was able to do that in such a great way.”

Unique interpretation

MGC students got exposed to the play through an excerpt Naomi selected for an in-class performance last year. The interpretations and reactions prompted her to mount the full production.

The cast comprises six actors from MBC and 20 from MGC; including the crew and musicians, the total number of students involved is 50. The troupe collectively put an imprint on the source material.

“It’s just a joy seeing what their energy brings to life for this unique play,” she said, “because we could be doing it at a different school and it would come out completely differently.”

From their version, Ava would like audiences to take away that “everyone had their own story, and it might not be what’s on the surface – there’s always something happening, and it might not always be black and white.

“Everyone is special in their own way, and we need a lot more of that kind of kindness in the world.”

Pretending to be Human

Where: Marlborough Girls’ College Hall

When: Through 20 June, 7pm

Tickets: Available at the door, MGC’s office or via the Kindo app