Orewa College Level 2 and 3 Drama students present The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus, directed by Year 13 student Chris van Vuuren. This student-led NCEA performance explores ambition, morality, and power through Marlowe’s timeless cautionary tale.

Student-led drama production takes the stage at Orewa College 

Audiences at Orewa College were treated to a compelling performance of The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus on April 29 and 30 at the Orewa Arts & Events Centre (OAEC). Performed by Level 2 and 3 Drama students and directed by Year 13 student Chris van Vuuren, the production brought Christopher Marlowe’s iconic tale of ambition, morality, and power to life in a dark and thought-provoking way.

This wasn’t just a performance for entertainment — it was also part of the students’ NCEA Drama assessment, combining performance and directing credits, with working together toward a shared goal.

A student’s bold vision

The opportunity to direct a full-scale production is a rare one for secondary students, but Chris van Vuuren took on the challenge.

“Doctor Faustus shows us a chilling, all too human truth, that it is not a single choice that destroys us, but the stubborn, repeated refusal to change,” said Chris.

Chris’s direction embraced the play’s dark tone and biting wit, while exploring timeless themes:

• The cost of unchecked ambition

• Free will and personal responsibility

• The tension between good and evil

• The possibility — and tragedy — of redemption

The story follows Dr Faustus, a brilliant but dissatisfied scholar who trades his soul for 24 years of magical power. Despite warnings from angels and his own doubts, Faustus refuses to repent, spiralling closer and closer to eternal damnation.

Behind the scenes

Preparation for the show began late in 2024, with Chris planning the concept and vision. Rehearsals ran throughout Term 1 and even continued into the school holidays. Students worked together to bring the production to life, learning not just acting and directing, but all aspects of theatre, from lighting and sound to costumes and set design.

The performance was a hands-on, real-world learning opportunity that allowed ākonga to:

• Practise leadership and collaboration

• Apply theory to a full production process

• Gain experience in all areas of stagecraft

• Explore storytelling through voice, movement, and space

Celebrating success

The Doctor Faustus production stands as a testament to what students can achieve when they are given trust, responsibility, and support. With the guidance of their teacher Geoffrey Heaney, this production wasn’t just an NCEA milestone; it was a showcase of what students can achieve in the performing arts beyond credits.