Comedy in show diverse
IF you had a sneaking suspicion that this year’s University of Otago Capping Show was a spinoff of the comedy television show Brooklyn NineNine — ‘‘Bingpot’’, you are ‘‘smort’’.
It has been a closely guarded secret for weeks.
Show codirector David Tuitama said it was called Campus NineNine and it would revolve around Jake, the leading Campus Watch officer, his two sidekicks and an intern, who find themselves in an ‘‘almost crime scene’’ situation.
‘‘It’s a mystery as well as a comedy.
‘‘While I can’t give away what the plot is, I can say it’s super relevant to university and Dunedin culture while being super iconic.’’
While some past capping shows have been slightly offensive to some people’s tastes, Mr Tuitama said this one would still be hilarious, but more palatable for everyone.
‘‘There’s a lot of strong social commentary throughout the show as well as comedy.
‘‘A lot of the comedy is diverse, so there’s a bit of something for everyone in the show.
‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever read a script and just laughed. It’s really funny.’’
Themes for the shows were typically hot topics of importance to students, and could cover anything from politics to pop culture, he said.
The comedy show is a 128yearold tradition which attracts a large student audience each year as well as members of the public.
Mr Tuitama said he had acted in the previous two capping shows, but this was his first time in the director’s chair.
Auditions for the show were held at the end of July and a cast of 14 was selected.
Rehearsals are now taking place and the shows will run from September 28 to October 4 at the University of Otago College of Education Auditorium.
‘‘I just love Capping Show with my whole being.
‘‘If you want some experience at university that will shape you as a person, Capping Show is it,’’ he said.