Timber: Waiuku Theatre Club's season including fundraiser for youth mental health support

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Waiuku Theatre dedicates performance to efforts to rally mental health support for kids

The Waiuku Theatre Club is putting on a show for the next two weeks, telling the story of a dilemma set in 1965.

For the cast and crew, it’s an opportunity to get out in front of a crowd after years of no theatre, but also a chance to highlight an issue close to their hearts.

Production Manager Haley King said for the crew, it was “icing on the cake” that one of their performances falls on November 04: Gumboot Friday, an annual rallying cry to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health.

“I think everyone is aware of the rising youth mental health concerns not just within our community but the whole of New Zealand, particularly with the impacts of covid on our young people and their school, team and friendship connections,” King said.

“The work that the people at I am Hope do and the commitment they have in fighting for our young people is incredible.

“They continue fighting and providing accessible help to our young people no matter what barriers are put before them, we should all fight for our young people. Supporting their work is the very least we can do.”

Money raised from tickets for the November 04 performance will go straight to I am Hope.

Waiuku Theatre Club are putting on ‘Timber,’ which follows kiwi lumberjacks who stumble across an ancient Kauri that is meant to be cut down. The crew is torn, and soon tree advocates and the council are involved in the saga.

Liam Hagenson, who wrote Timber along with Emily Laing, said the writers wanted to create a story that would appeal to the community they were born and raised in.

“But we wanted a light hearted story with a bit of conflict, this is where the thought of the hippies came in. Which leads to the setting of the 60s, the music, the attire, it all fits perfectly.”

So far, the crew have raised $800 in sponsorships from local businesses to donate, and had items donated for raffles too. On Gumboot Friday there will be spot prizes during the performance, and guests are encouraged to wear their gumboots to the show.

Tickets are available via www.waiukutheatre.com... and the show is running until November 12.