Drunken men, bored teenagers and a love triangle are just some of the intriguing plots that make up Unitec School of Performing and Screens Arts Acting Graduation Showcase play.

Before embarking on their professional careers, 20 third-year graduating actors will take centrestage to perform Scenes from the Big Picture, written by Owen McCafferty.Drunken men, bored teenagers and a love triangle are just some of the intriguing plots that make up Unitec School of Performing and Screens Arts Acting Graduation Showcase play.

Before embarking on their professional careers, 20 third-year graduating actors will take centrestage to perform Scenes from the Big Picture, written by Owen McCafferty.Scenes from the Big Picture was first produced in 2003 at The National Theatre in London to rave reviews, with The Mirror describing it as a "stunning play ... two and a half hours of mesmerising theatre".

Set in contemporary Belfast, Scenes from the Big Picture tells several interweaving stories of 21 of its inhabitants to build a picture of a typical day in the Irish city.

Director Michele Hine was hooked on the play as soon as she read it and says it was ideal in catering to all 20 graduating actors leaving at the end of the year.

"It's a play I just couldn't put down," says Hine. "It had me both laughing and reaching for the hanky and each character was so well realised, I really got to know them and wanted to find out what happened to them."

Although the play is set in Belfast, she says there are many themes in it that are relevant to life in New Zealand.

The play kickstarts a celebration of showcase performances throughout November which include a public screening of the best short films and documentaries produced during the year with the Screen Arts department; Silent Disco, the Contemporary Dance showcase featuring choreography from students, Dance lecturer Kristian Larsen and international choreographer Tim Podesta.

Ending the season of works is The Writing and Directing Showcase, four new plays written and directed by the year three writers and directors and performed by professional actors. This is also tied in with the book launch for a collection of plays by Unitec Writing lecturer and celebrated New Zealand Playwright Gary Henderson.

When: 8-17 November 2007, 7pm; Saturday 10 & 17, 2pm matinee
Where: Unitec Theatre, Entry One, Carrington Rd, Auckland
Tickets: $20 adults, $15 concession and $5 for students
Bookings: www.iticket.co.nz 09 361 1000

8/11/07