Theatre and Film Studies an der University of Canterbury bekommen eigene Räumlichkeiten

Busy time sees Theatre and Film Studies move to new home

It feels very “home sweet home” for Theatre and Film Studies as they move into their first ever purpose-built facilities in the Fine Arts building.

“It has been a whirlwind of a move,” said Head of Department Associate Professor Sharon Mazer.

“But we feel very welcome over here and the move will make a tremendous difference. Now that we are in a purpose-built space, complete with editing suites to suit, we can get on with our work and feel more engaged with the University.”

Previously in a house on Creyke Road, Professor Mazer said that they often felt like the Walton family “as we had to shout to each other up and down the stairs”.

"Now, with well-designed workspaces in Ilam and the existing theatre and workspaces in town, Theatre and Film Studies is more consolidated,” said Professor Mazer.

“The situation here is great. It is easier for students to find us and it gives us a home.”

Theatre and Film Studies began with courses in drama in 1979, and then was established as the Drama Programme in 1988, becoming the Department of Theatre and Film Studies in 1997. It offers courses that integrate film and theatre, theory and practice, with performance and digital film work.

The move happened while staff and students were preparing for the Platform arts festival — including the Free Theatre production of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and the Silencio Ensemble concert.

Chris Reddington, Technical Director and Designer for Theatre, in addition to designing and performing in Dr Faustus, also directed Silencio and had an original composition included in the concert.

PhD student Tony McCaffrey is the artistic director of A Different Light Theatre Company which performed The Poor Dears/The Wizard of Oz.

Professor Mazer hosted two guests — Professor Thea Brejzek (Zurich) and Professor Jonathan Mane-Wheoki (Auckland) — who adjudicated some of the Platform events and spoke at “Artists and Academics Talk”, on the relationship between research in the creative arts and practice-based research at Canterbury and beyond.

“It has been absolutely full-on, moving in the middle of a semester and with Platform productions to produce, but I have been impressed with the staff and students’ level of commitment. We have a lot of passion to move forward.

“This move marks a new beginning in a tangible way,” said Professor Mazer.

Quelle: University of Canterbury, Chronicle Volume 45, No. 8, 04. Juni 2010