Fate of the universe down to student

In a brand new comedy, written in Manawatu, an unlikely hero named Kevin is charged with representing all of humanity in making a very important decision.

God Awful Company is the Massey University Drama Society’s play, written by up-and-coming producer and playwright Shivarn Stewart.

Stewart said the character of Kevin is an ‘‘indecisive, hungover student’’.

‘‘Kevin is being forced to make the toughest of calls – should the gods be allowed to rule the mortal realm for the next 1000 years?’’

The play is ‘‘very tongue–in– cheek’’, Stewart said.

‘‘The ancient gods are particularly entertaining to play with – like Dionysus, who is just a huge party animal, or the sullen Grim Reaper. The humanity of the gods is where you have really interesting personalities and drama, as well as a hell of a lot of laughs.’’

Director Ethan Burmeister said the show’s debut will be exciting.

‘‘It’s such an intriguing concept and you can only watch in delighted terror at the idea that these humans hold the universe’s fates in their hands, which obviously not all the gods are happy about, so there is a whole another level of ‘can we survive this’ going on. It will be a great ride for everyone watching.’’

The Massey University Drama Society is the university’s oldest club and they produce a show in the first and second semester of each year. This year, the play will be performed in a new venue.

‘‘Centrepoint theatre have kindly open their doors to us and it will be performed in their professional theatre space.’’

God Awful Company runs for four shows, 19-20 and 26-27 May at Centrepoint Theatre.