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For two decades the Ugly Shakespeare Company has trained actors and travelled to schools to 'take the fear out of Shakespeare'. Founder Richard Green shares some of the highlights.

"Any company surviving two recessions and 20 years in NZ is an accomplishment, let alone one in the arts."

The 20th anniversary nationwide tour of schools ends with the first live theatre performance at new Auckland theatre Te Pou, from May 23-30.  Te Pou’s co-founder, Tainui Tukiwaho, is one of many actors in NZ who got their first taste of live theatre through the company.

Well-known comedian Ben Hurley says doing the Ugly Shakespeare tour at 18 years old taught him a lot about performing.

“It's as grass roots as performing can be, communities have often never seen anything like this before. People often talk about bravery but they have never stood in front of Southland Boys College with a sequined boob tube falling down and your male co-actor covering your nipples.” That he says takes bravery.

After help from his father, who believed in the idea enough to mortgage his house to get the company going 20 years ago, the Ugly Shakespeare Company has now entertained 800,000 high school students since 1995.

In this QnA Richard Green tells us a bit about himself and reflects on the past and the future, saying the mission for the company remains the same to "take quality NZ theatre to people irrespective of socio, economic or geographical isolation."

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Unfortunately it is usually three in the morning. Sometimes I just have to get up and make notes otherwise I find the idea is gone by morning. Before children I was a real night owl.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Individual. My children reckon I am cool. I’m the only dad with doc boots and a mohawk!

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Seeing the look on the faces of the audience as they soak up our work. That never gets tiring. It is the culmination of all that work achieving all we set out to achieve. And the success of our actors who go on to do really well both nationally and internationally. That’s cool.

How does your environment affect your work?

I work from home which is really hard. There’s always something to do around the house. I try and stay focused but sometimes… oh, wait, what’s that over there…?

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Both. I am a strong believer in both working together. I organise festivals as well as the Ugly tour and you have to start with the big picture then fill in the details. Unless you know what it is you are aiming for you cannot fill in the details. I strongly believe that.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Fiscal responsibility. I know, boring right! But we have survived 20 years through ensuring we spend the money for the best result. I think all schools that churn out creatives should teach business skills as well. The number of arts practitioners I know who struggle financially because of a lack of knowledge is huge. Oh, and partner up with someone who has a real job!

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

They are all satisfying in different ways. I made a film called Te Whare in 2007 which went on to win several awards overseas and combined my love of things Maori and my creativity. I am a treaty educator and this was made as a resource to explain the treaty relationship. I had no idea it would go on to do so well. That was a stand out for me but I couldn’t really say any one project has given me the most satisfaction.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

My partner, Imogen. We all know this industry is hard work and I was feeling down about where I was at and she reminded me of all the things that I have done and all the people I have inspired or given opportunities to and that really revitalised me. Looking back over 20 years of Ugly Shakespeare kind of reinforced that.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I started out in PN doing community shows and then took off overseas to work in theatre and when I returned I had a pull towards theatre-in-education. I toured with a few in schools groups and then went to film school to become the next Fellini. Still working on that.

Tell us about the formation of the Ugly Shakespeare Company 20 years ago.

While waiting to become the next Fellini I was directing commercial videos and I had a massive contract with a large company making bundling videos for the launch of Windows 95. Unfortunately the people managing the contract were dweebs and I suddenly found myself with no contract, all my other work pushed aside and very little money. Lara Macgregor, now Artistic Director at Fortune in Dunedin, sent me a copy of the The Compleat Works of William Shkspr (abridged). I went to put on a season in Auckland and then thought, hang on, this would be great in schools… the rest, as they say, is history.

What have been some of the highlights in the past 20 years?

All the great relationships I have made with the actors who have passed through our door. Seeing them go on to greater things. Seeing their lives unfold. Being booked by HoDs who were students when we first started touring. Surviving. That’s a big highlight!

What does the Company do now and how has this changed from the original concept?

We haven’t changed much, still taking the fear out of Shakespeare. We stopped doing evening shows but plan to return to that (don’t forget to book for our Auckland season at Te Pou!). Our plan was to take quality NZ theatre to people irrespective of socio, economic or geographical isolation was our starting position. We still follow that as our mantra.

What are some of your plans for the 20th year?

As we wrap up this year’s tour we are doing an Auckland season to celebrate. On the 30th of May we have a special performance for cast and crew and ex-board members and all those who have helped. This is followed by a large catered event – so sleep will also be on the agenda. This year for me personally has been one of reflection. Twenty years has gone by and I have taken stock on how far I have come and what I have accomplished. I am a little chuffed looking at it all. Any company surviving two recessions and 20 years in NZ is an accomplishment, let alone one in the arts.

Where would you like the company to be in another 20 years?

In Europe? I don’t know. I will be in my mid-sixties so I hope that someone young talent will have taken over the reigns and been able to keep the company going to inspire more young people to the arts. Our target audience is youth and even now I find it difficult to keep up with all the references and styles, so in 20 years? I do plan to keep it going so we will still be around. Let’s check back in in 2035 and see how we are going.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

Chef, definitely a chef. Or Jazz musician, yeah. Definitely a jazz musician. Or an officer in the army. The possibilities are endless. I have to say I don’t think I chose this path. It chose me.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

My home. Where ever that may be.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

In the dark and up loud – with a glass of great wine in your hand and a friend by your side.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

Music.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Breathe Richard, just breathe! (Thanks Lara)

What’s your big idea for 2015?

To figure out what the hell I am going to cram into the next 20 years!

• The Ugly Shakespeare Company 20th anniversary show is on 23-30 May.