Dunedin Summer Shakespeare

26/09/2026

21/09/2026

DSS was incredibly fortunate to have several Musos from the AMPED Music Project join us for "Shakespeare in Song" last summer. We know first-hand what a truly incredible programme it is!

They're doing a bit of crowdfunding to support this amazing mahi, and we hope that DSS's audiences will give liberally where they can -- or help spread the word to others who are in a position to do so.

"If music be the food of love, PLAY ON!" 😎

“From the transformative experiences to the inspiring community and the incredible support provided by the AMPED team, I cannot recommend AMPED enough for young musicians in our community. It’s not just a music programme — it’s a launching pad for confidence, creativity, and connection that will stay with you for life.” – Ashane, Amped participant

Our Givealittle campaign to support our 2026 programme is still live. Big or small, your support for the programme is always appreciated. Learn more and or donate now at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/amped-2026

📸 Craig

16/09/2026

Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne.

John Broughton (CNZM) was known for many things: as a Professor at the University of Otago; for his work in dentistry and hauora; as an officer in the NZ Territorial Force; and as an award-winning playwright (Nga Puke, Michael James Manaia, etc).

DSS has been truly honoured to have Matua John serve as our kaumātua and kaitautoko from the very start. He guided us gently in matters of tikanga; had a wry smile or story for every occasion; and he loved the Bard every bit as much as we do. Every season, every show, he was there with us.

While John’s presence will be dearly missed, DSS will endeavour to carry our small part of his wairua and aroha forward in all that we do. And our thoughts remain with his whānau.

Haere atu rā e te hoa, haere ki te kāinga tūturu o te tangata. Haere ki a rātou kua moe i te pō. Okioki ai i runga i te rangimārie.

22/08/2026

The robots are already coming for Shakespeare... 😂

Just in case you're wondering where our Insta post went. Good grief. At least our FB post for auditions is still (currently) active and pinned.

Please help us spread the non-bot good word! 😎

21/08/2026

Season announcement and audition notice! 🎉

DSS is thrilled to reveal our 2027 Season, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. This beloved comedy will play 5-7 and 12-14 Feb 2027 (location tbc), and is directed by Kim Morgan.

Auditions for a mid-size company (10-12) to join our 3 professional actors (playing Benedick, Beatrice and Dogberry) will be held in early October. See the attached announcement.

Reach out with any questions; mark your calendars; and start praying for sunny skies and calm winds! 😎

27/06/2026

'Zounds! You've only got TWO more chances to see this exciting new solo-Shakes-show.

We'll be at today's 2pm matinee, and there's a final showing at 7:30pm tonight.

Book now to ensure your seat!

ou Won’t See Me on the Poster re-imagines the works of William Shakespeare through the lives of Shakespeare's "minor" characters. Throughout this...

16/06/2026

Calling all Shakes-fans. Next week will see the world premiere of an original show right here in Ōtepoti Dunedin -- one that we think you'll just love! 😎

"You Won’t See Me on the Poster" re-imagines the works of William Shakespeare through the lives of Shakespeare's "minor" characters. Throughout this one hour solo show, created by Kate Low and Sarah Entwistle, we see what the star crossed lovers look like from the Nurse's point of view in Romeo and Juliet; we muse over the wonders of life and death with the two Gravediggers from Hamlet; explore what happens when Feste the Clown lets go of his witty smile in Twelfth Night; meet the drunken Porter of Macbeth who might know a little bit more than he lets on; and get to know characters from some of Shakespeare's lesser known works, such as Constance in King John.

"You Won’t See Me on the Poster" invites us to explore the feeling of Sonder by bringing us into the lives of characters that are often perceived as existing simply to progress the central plot; devices rather than people with their own reality too. Through the notion of Sonder, "You Won't See Me on the Poster" encourages us to look at each character for who they are: a whole person with a whole story to tell.

Thur 25 - Sat 27 June
New Athenaeum Theatre

Ticket Link in comments 🎟️

22/05/2026

In case you missed it...

A recording of this year's "Shakespeare in Song" concert at the Botanic Garden Band Rotunda now lives on YouTube for your listening pleasure! 😎

It's an unlisted link (to protect our musos' (c) works), so you'll need the url to view it. But feel free to share it widely with anyone you fancy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXmEsCwLAxI

More exciting details about a FREE ALBUM to follow, hopefully by Matariki... ✨

"If Music Be The Food Of Love": Shakespeare in Song (DSS 2026)

03/05/2026

It was worth the wait...

We proudly present "If Music Be The Food Of Love": Shakespeare in Song (DSS 2026). Recorded live at the Botanic Gardens Band Rotunda on 15 Feb 2026. 🎶

You may notice we had to cut out much of our emcee, W***y Shakes, who was wandering through the audience off-camera b/w acts. But all our Musos’ glorious songs are here, with great audio! 🙌

As this is an unlisted video, you *need the link* to view it (not searchable). But we encourage you to freely share it with any / all fans of the Bard and local music! 😎

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

📹 Matthew Morgan (concert)
📸 Aaron Hawkins (thumbnail)

"If Music Be The Food Of Love": Shakespeare in Song (DSS 2026)