ABOUT THE SHOW
Synopsis:
Afloat: 20 years after The Rise is set in a future where a nuclear plant close to Antarctica malfunctioned, resulting in the rapid melting of polar ice caps.
The event became known as The Rise, as it caused sea levels to obliterate cities and all land is lost to the icy depths.
Our story takes place around 20 years after The Rise on New Zealand waters, where a floating empire has formed.
This empire was founded by a woman who is know to the community only as "She". She has kept her community afloat by enforcing rules, some verging on extreme.
Aria and Fermata are second-generation survivors and the focus of our story.
They quickly get caught up in a growing rebellion, frustrated by the restrictions forced upon them, and plot to overthrow She to grant the people freedom.
Aria is offered the ultimate choice by She: betray her life-long friend Fermata and be granted freedom, or remain loyal and face certain death
CREATIVES
Sammy Hook
Co-writer
Sammy has been involved with performing arts from a very young age through involvement with the National Youth Theatre (NYT.) She served as NYT's inaugural Youth Representative on their board and used this opportunity to further contribute to the theatre world in Aotearoa. Sammy is passionate about crafting opportunities for youth in theatre and is grateful that Afloat was able to build numerous pathways for rangatahi interested in theatre, both onstage and backstage. Sammy earned NZQA's Drama Scholarship in 2023, and will continue to develop her skills in theatre through tertiary study at Toi Whakaari in 2025.
- NYT Performance Scholarship
- Represented NZ at the Atlanta Junior Theatre Festival 2024 and Aussie Festival in 2022
- Rangitoto’s ‘Best Contribution to Drama’ 2023
- Accepted into UOA’s Art Scholars Programme 2024
- Rangitoto’s ‘Most Potential in Drama’ 2021
Harrison Maxwell
Co-writer
Harrison Maxwell has performed with The National Youth Theatre (NYT,) Centrestage Theatre, and NSPA over the past 4 years. He has competed in the Smokefree Rockquest for 4 years writing original music scores.
In 2024. he represented New Zealand at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, which is the biggest theatre festival in the world. He is passionate about composition and is pursuing music and theatre at Victoria University of Wellington.
- Nominated for Auckland Live’s ‘Best Actor in a Minor Role’ Showdown Award
-
Excellence in Ensemble at Junior Theatre Festival Atlanta 2024
- NYT Scholarship Recipient
- NZQA Drama Scholarship Recipient
- Awarded for excellence in acting at The SGCNZ University of Otago, Sheila Winn
ORIGINAL CAST
JEDI JUMIG
FERMATA (MATA)
Jedi is studying Drama at Rangitoto College and has been involved in all aspects of performing arts: Singing, dance, acting, and Kapa Haka.
In 2023, he played the titular character in Shrek The Musical, & was a Runner Up in writing his own music for RockQuest 2023.
Jedi is an Arts Leader and Deputy Head at Rangitoto.
ELINOR COGHLAN
ARIA
Elinor is an avid lover of the arts. She's been involved in music, drama, and visual arts; she is constantly fulfilling a creative lifestyle.
In the past year she has played trumpet and has been recognised nationally, as well as debuted in her first profesional lead role as Natalie in Next to Normal at The Pumphouse Theatre in 2024.
She is always busy with the arts, but there's no place she'd rather be.
BERNICE WANNENBURG
THE DICTATOR (SHE)
Bernice is an exceptional dancer who excels in contemporary, lyrical, and ballet as well as being a talented visual designer.
She has performed as several lead roles with APAA and in Rangitoto College's auditioned Drama Company.
When not on stage, Bernice enjoys playing guitar.
