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The story of Noah isn't where you'd expect to find a mortal directly confronting his maker and demanding positive proof of his compassion before renewing his contract.

Yet this is exactly what our humble ark-builder, played by Ma'a Brian Sagala, does in By Thunder, a full-length play performed by third-year graduating actors from the Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts.

The retiring head of the acting major, Murray Hutchinson, chose the idea, finecrafted the biblical legend and adapted it into a musical comedy in three weeks.

Expect to hear the sounds of Sting and Bette Midler performed by Noah, his wife Esther (played by Reena Lambert), his three sons and wives and an irate neighbor.

"I'm not a religious man," Hutchinson says. "Although this is a biblical play, it is not about animals, but about one man's relationship with God and about family relationships.

"It's always an interesting task for me to choose a play that fits the students. It depends totally on the group. Sometimes they are intense, sometimes comedic, sometimes both."

To cater for such diversity, past efforts have included War And Peace and Voltaire's Candide. Involvement is encouraged.

"Eight of the students are on stage for the entire play. You'll just have to wait and see how the ninth, God, is played."

Hutchinson has encouraged student input in the development process in the 79 plays presented by the school under his artistic guidance over the past 11 years.

"All I have to protect is the notion that the under-lying theme is sustained. In fact, input is taking place right up until opening night."

Ill health has forced Hutchinson to give the directorship of By Thunder to Jennifer Ward-Lealand, who has directed Unitec Acting School productions for three years.

"I became involved fairly late in the piece," she says. "I've been a professional actress for 22 years, and over the last few years have moved more into directing. I've worked with eight of the students last year in my production Big River.

"The difference between second-year students and third-years is very noticeable. It's inspiring and reinforces one's training. It is great to be able to pass that experience on to actors who are on the verge of entering the real world."

At 63, Hutchinson leaves an industry that is barely recognisable from the one he entered when he went on stage in Te Aroha at the tender age of 11.

Graduates of the school include Daniel Gillies, who will star in Spiderman 2, and Sara Wiseman, the lead character in Mercy Peak.

"When I was growing up there was nothing like this," he says.

"It is possible for graduates of this programme to make a living in New Zealand if they are able to take opportunities. That may include corporate work. There are lots of festivals. And they have to know how to write."

FILLING IN: Jennifer Ward-Lealand has taken over the directorship of By Thunder

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