Leading New Zealand law firm
Anthony Harper is sponsoring this year’s Shakespeare Season. The Pop-up Globe Theatre is set to be erected in Auckland with plays running from 19 February to 11 April.
Marking the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death, this theatrical season will showcase some of his most famous plays including Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, the Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hamlet.
“To watch Shakespeare's plays from his own theatre will be a truly unique experience and we are very happy to be able to support this one-off event,” said
Malcolm Hurley, managing partner at
Anthony Harper.
The firm has always been interested in supporting the arts, he said, although most efforts until now have been in Christchurch, Anthony Harper’s original office location.
“We have been actively involved in Christchurch sponsoring artistic ventures in the city from COCA to our long standing sponsorship of the summer theatre program.”
The firm had been looking to sponsor an event in Auckland for a long time, Hurley said.
“We wanted it to be accessible to all, family-focused and a bit different. The Pop-up Globe meets all these requirements in abundance.”
“Not only is the setting unique but the season of plays also represents the largest Shakespeare season in Antipodean history.”
As well as supporting the New Zealand arts scene from the outside, it is clear that Anthony Harper also has some keen theatre enthusiasts in its midst.
“We have an impressive list of talent,” Hurley said.
This includes a senior associate who was part of the cast of Miss Saigon at the Civic, a partner who was a member of the Cambridge University European Touring Group along with Rachel Weisz, and a partner who appeared in Phantom of the Opera.
The firm also has a partner who appeared in Love on a Hot Tin Roof – a play featuring full frontal nudity.
“They were spared the embarrassment,” added Hurley.
