Jesse Tima heads to the Globe Theatre
Earlier this year, Dilworth School’s Year 13 drama students brought a vibrant, fresh perspective to Shakespeare under the guidance of drama teacher Patrice Wilson.
Their highly creative reimagining of King Lear as the story of a Pasifika king and his three sons was a stunning piece that wove together traditional song and movement to explore timeless themes of family, global conflict, and peace in a contemporary, culturally rich way. Dilworth’s drama students went on to the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) National Shakespeare Festival (finals) and delivered a captivating performance that earned them top honours, the SGSC award.
New pathways and opportunities opened up! Particularly for Year 13 Dilworth drama student Jesse Tima. After winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the National Festival, he was selected as one of 48 students across the country to attend the SGCNZ National Shakespeare Schools Production Workshop in Wellington over the last school holidays.
Jesse nailed it again, delivering two standout showcase performances! Next came selection for the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company 2027, which earned him the opportunity to perform at London’s iconic Globe Theatre - the ultimate ‘home’ of Shakespeare and a dream come true for aspiring young actors globally.
Reflecting on the journey of her 2026 drama students, Patrice Wilson, clearly so proud of her students, shared how meaningful it was for these young men to connect with Shakespeare in ways that truly resonated with their lives and heritage.
She had this to say about Jesse:
“Jesse Tima has gone through transformative growth as an actor; he is a completely different performer than he was three years ago. His maturity, skill, work ethic, depth of understanding, and emotional intelligence is reflected in his National Best Supporting Actor win and in being chosen to perform at the Globe in London.”
Dilworth is immensely proud of Jesse and thrilled to cheer him on as he steps onto the global stage with the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company 2027.
An enormous thank you to the Rotary Clubs of Remuera and Newmarket for helping our students attend the National Shakespeare Festival (finals) and the National Shakespeare Schools Production Workshop.