Transcendental [by Matt Baker] Presented by The People Who Play With Theatre, Just Above The Clouds is, not surprisingly, a very playful piece of theatre. That is not to say, however, that the content is treated facetiously – far from it. It is a story about love, loss, grief, denial, acceptance, and self, and I thank writer and director Ben […]
Rather tame [by Matt Baker] Wild Beasts starts off with great promise. The Basement Studio has been dressed as a tent with expansive sheets and a spattering of fairy lights. Immediately, we recognise there is a magical element to this play. Written by Lucinda Bennett, the script has an abundance of simple philosophical truths, like the Tao of Pooh. However, […]
Joie de vivre [by James Wenley] It is strange at first to see performers Tama Jarman, Justin Haiu and Jarod Rawiri in the white face, white gloves, and the exaggerated clothing of a mime artist. While the art of mime, along with clowning, is typically taught as a module in drama training, and while it informs a lot of local […]
I’d rather have my stomach pumped… [by Matt Baker] High School Hangover is described as a romantic-comedy that will “have you in stitches”, and I did laugh, twice. Once at Xavier Mercedes Black’s awkward attempt to both calm and support her friend, and once at musician Jess Dowlman’s one-liner aside. It’s hard to keep track of this play, not only […]
Strength in numbers [by Matt Baker] Two people meet at a particular place at a particular time, and things are irreversibly changed. This is, arguably, a primary necessity for dramatic action, and it is the premise of Lab Theatre’s production of One by One. Director Pedro Ilgenfritz has clearly attained a wealth of knowledge regarding theatre during his 20-year career. A […]
Rock & Angst [by James Wenley] “Forget every other Musical you’ve ever seen” says the pre-show announcement voice as the lights dim for Spring Awakening. It’s a statement that is more about marketing hype than the show’s ability to offer something new to the form. Sure, its themes of suicide, masturbation, and sexual abuse are risqué, but nothing that are […]
A unique journey [by Matt Baker] Originally performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012, The Road That Wasn’t There, presented by Trick of the Light and embarking on a tour throughout New Zealand, makes its Auckland debut as part of the 2013 Fringe Festival. Broken into eight protractedly titled chapters, the script weaves between fiction and reality with great […]
Catharsis of the Confessional [by Matt Baker] 3 women trapped in an elevator. It’s a simple yet possibility problematic premise, however, Jess Sayer’s script, as reflected in her writer’s notes, finds freedom within structure, and, consequentially, an incredibly engaging story. Sayer’s razor sharp wit is acutely vocalised by not only herself, but also by fellow actresses Michele Hine and Lauren […]
Anarchic Fairy Tales in the Dark [by James Wenley] At the same time as the Lantern Festival lit up Albert Park, Myers Park came to life in quite a different way as a procession of Fairytale characters and creatures prowled its grounds. Myers Park has been associated with Auckland Fringe since the Festival’s original launch in 2009 and has played […]
Hot Dog! [by Matt Baker] After forty-two shows across the country in their (literal) Woolshed Tour, actresses Emma Newborn and Amelia Guild finally bring their two-woman show to Auckland for the 2013 Fringe Festival. “Born out of a dream and desire to provide rural audiences a chance to have a truly unique night out with their neighbours”, if the show was received as […]
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