Young actor sets his sights on fundraiser

Ryan Cundy is leading an ensemble of young Wairarapa actors and musicians for a fundraiser performance to help him travel to an elite workshop at Shakespeare's Globe.

Cundy, who was head boy at Wairarapa College last year, is to attend a three-week workshop in England in July that will include a performance at The Globe in London.

He won selection to attend the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand 2012 National Shakespeare Schools Production in Auckland last September and from there won his place at the workshop and selection as one of 24 students for the Young Shakespeare Company.

Cundy said he has gathered more than half of the $7000 he will need to travel to England and the fundraising performance and concert at the Masterton Savage Club on February 17 will help bridge the gap.

He and four other Wairarapa actors will reprise their performance of Youthanasia by Scott Frater that they last year successfully staged at the New Zealand Theatre Federation One Act Play Lower North Island Festival.

Wairarapa director Lorraine McDonald is to direct the play, which traces the story of a young man dealing with terminal illness and suicide.

The play is billed as unsuitable for younger viewers and was the overall winner of the New Zealand Theatre Federation Play Festival National Finals in 2009.

"We've just started rehearsals and we're building on what we had last year. The venue should be good and it's great to have Lorraine McDonald with us as well," Cundy said.

A concert will round out the evening of entertainment and will include musical contributions from Ruby Bennett, Maria Taylor and Emily Fiu.

Cundy, who is studying law at Victoria University and for a BA, majoring in classical studies and philosophy, said he is hopeful of attracting an audience of at least 50 people to the fundraiser evening.

The entertainment starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost $10 each. A short intermission also will be held with supper available and donations are welcome.