On sabbatical from teaching drama at King’s High School for post-graduate theatre directing studies at the University of Otago’s School of Performing Arts, McKenzie jumped at the chance to work with local actors to bring Saved to new audiences.
"I was first introduced to Saved by Lisa Warrington in 1997, when I was a student at Allen Hall and was asked to direct an argument scene from it," he said.
"It was a major learning curve for me, and I have wanted to take on directing the full play ever since."
The production of Saved is being produced by Jo Harford for newly-formed theatre company Plan D Productions, in conjunction with THEA452, and will be staged from next week at Allen Hall.
Set in South London, in 1963, Saved follows the fortunes of a young couple who fall in love, and then have to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, with disastrous results.
Against a backdrop of poverty, hardness, and societal neglect, Bond’s ground-breaking classic is a searing examination of what happens when those who have little or nothing to lose are pushed into corners.
Saved shocked audiences when first produced in 1965, and was initially banned, but is now considered a theatrical masterpiece, which played a key role in the abolition of theatrical censorship in Britain.
"It is a landmark play, which exposed some dark aspects of British society — particularly the lives of working class people, doing boring, meaningless work and living the lives expected of them," McKenzie said.
A great joy of the production for McKenzie is working with a large cast of 10 local actors, which combines professional, semi-professional, and emerging actors, including Simon Anderson, Miriam Noonan, Richard Huber, Clare Adams, and Daniel McClymont, Thomas Downing, Conor Hill, Emanuel Nolden, Cullan Rolton, and Tabitha Littlejohn.
"I’m very proud of my cast, who have been fearless in coping with the demands of this play, which involves saying and doing difficult things," he said.
"It takes a lot of strength."
Performances of Saved will be staged in traverse, bringing the actors and audience close together to create an immersive experience, enhanced by lighting design by Martyn Roberts.
The production is being supported by the Dunedin City Council Creative Communities Scheme.
- The Plan D production of Saved, by Edward Bond, will be staged from next Thursday to next Sunday, and June 29-July 2, at Allen Hall Theatre, performances at 7pm. For bookings visit https://events.humanitix.com/saved
Content warning: Saved contains offensive language, scenes of violence and cruelty.
