Habyt - Hawkes Bay Youth Theatre

Tickets for Julius Caesar are live!

Painted on a canvas of absolute power, unquestioning loyalty, and escalating violence, Hawke’s Bay Youth Theatre Toi Whakaari Taiohi o Te Matau-a-Māui presents Shakespeare’s enduring play at a time when questions of democracy, and the essence of the human spirit, seem, now as then, in danger of shivering into obscurity.

Caesar’s climb to prime influence and power in a democratic state, and the conspiracy that destroyed what it sought to save, live on as a reminder to future history of the cost of absolute dictatorship, and of violent revolt.

Presented in the traverse, filtered through the lens of gender, and filled with dynamic physical theatre and combat sequences, this contemporary production of Julius Caesar spans a grappling dilemma of power and justice, liberty and duty, love and violence.

Performed by HaBYT Senior Company and Associates and directed by Jandyra Maciel and Peter Cottrell as part of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival at Toitoi Functions.

Friday 9 October 7.30pm
Saturday 10 October 3pm
Saturday 10 October 7.30pm

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/julius-caesar-habyt-theatre/hastings

More scenes from our senior retreat.

Julius Caesar rehearsals are in full swing, preparing for performances on 9 and 10 October.

Tickets on sale this week from hbaf.co.nz

From this week the wonderful Pia Zima will be hanging up her tutor’s hat at HaBYT. She’s staying on as General Manager so she’s still an active part of the HaBYT whānau. Huge mihi for all you’ve brought to our ākonga, Pia!

From today our superlative Artistic Director, Jandyra Maciel, will be taking over teaching the Players and Troupe class.

Some scenes from our Senior Retreat at the stunning Omatua Riverside Accommodation in Rissington these past holidays. What a treat to rehearse in such beautiful surroundings under the winter sun!

Term 2 is a wrap! Our Ensemble students celebrated with dress ups for their last class.

Regular classes are suspended for the next two weeks of holidays. Seniors will be on retreat from 16-18 July to be joined by the Associates for the final day’s rehearsal.

Congratulations to senior student Sita FitzGerald on her role as the Mad Hatter in her school’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

As well as acting, Sita has been busy making all manner of props for the play and did her own stage makeup. Wishing her all the best for this evening’s final performance!

Congratulations to senior student Michaela Chamberlain on playing General Cartwright in her last ever school production. Guys and Dolls was directed by HaBYT alumnus Bella Aarons, and wrapped a successful run last night. We’re so proud of our current and former students and their dedication to their craft.

Don’t miss alumnus Bella Aarons in a breathtaking double bill with the Barden Party in Napier this weekend!

Bella and the superlatively talented cast of actors and musicians present a bluegrass reimagining of Macbeth and an original retelling of the Greek myth of Heracles. Each piece is a masterclass in stagecraft, an invaluable experience for our students, and anyone who appreciates storytelling and song.

The Barden Party are on their last stop before taking the shows to Edinburgh Fringe. We’re so proud of Bella making her name on the international stage!

https://humanitix.com/nz/events/nz--hawkes-bay-region--napier/performingandvisualarts

Players and Troupe classes are cancelled this Monday courtesy of the King. Enjoy the long weekend with your whānau!