REVIEW: Kings of the Gym (ATC)

February 10, 2013

Theatre in Education [by James Wenley] New Zealand’s Education sector contains potentially ripe pickings for a dramatist. It is a perennial battleground of ideologies, agendas, values, and teaching methods and assessments. In recent times the sector itself has resembled a Dave Armstrong style farce:  non-standard National Standards, No-go pay and Hekia “Karma” Parata. Armstrong’s newest play Kings of the Gym […]

Looking forward: What’s on my theatrical radar for 2013? (Part 2)

January 28, 2013

ATC, Silo and More! [by James Wenley] Part One looked at what has caught my eye in the Fringe and Auckland Arts Festival (not too long to wait Festival lovers!). Now we cast our gaze on the rest of the 2013 theatre calendar. By all means stuff yourself silly during the Fests, but keep yourself some room, there is a […]

Looking forward: What’s on my theatrical radar for 2013? (Part 1)

January 20, 2013

Festival Year! [by James Wenley] Theatre always goes to ground in January. The stages may be bare, but Auckland’s theatre community are busy strutting and fretting behind-the-scenes. There’s a lot to do: Auckland Fringe 2013 is now less than a month away, and Auckland Arts Festival is right on its tail. I’ve enjoyed the break, but if, like me, you […]

Looking Back: 2012 – A Theatrical year in Review

January 10, 2013

Taking the Risk [by James Wenley] “…It was this lack of “weight” (a not too easily defined term which an actor, if not a member of the audience, would understand) that Mr George Henare needs to work on if he wishes to pursue the acting profession. His is a good, powerful voice, he has strong features… yet a lot of […]

REVIEW: Mega Christmas (The Basement)

December 17, 2012

The Dotcom Show  [by James Wenley] There is something very fitting about Kim Dotcom being embraced by the acting community. Dotcom, who has transformed from an ‘evil’ internet tycoon to a kiwi folk hero , has been the great story of political theatre that keeps on giving. With a flair for the dramatic himself, and a brilliant media strategy (come […]

REVIEW: Munted (Bare Hunt Collective)

December 5, 2012

Solid [by Matt Baker] From Liz Carpenter and Alana Kelly’s poster design to the un-credited set design in performance, the teacup motif in Munted is both an accurate and elegant metaphor for the fragility and communal aspects of life surrounding the February earthquake. It is also brilliantly used in breaking the fourth wall the moment the audience enters the performance […]

Become a Theatre Philanthropist for Xmas!

November 30, 2012

Worthy causes on PledgeMe [by James Wenley] You know how companies like ATC and Silo list their swanky patrons at the back of their programs? Private giving has long been a very important part of making theatre in New Zealand when audience box office and public funding doesn’t cut it alone. This year crowdfunding sites like New Zealand’s own PledgeMe.co.nz have […]

REVIEW: Where Are You My Only One? (The Basement)

November 29, 2012

Wears its heart on its sleeve [by Matt Baker] The decision to revisit a piece of work is an intriguing endeavour. For David Aston it was based on his belief that Where Are You My Only One? – a piece that he first performed in 2003 as part of Silo Theatre’s To Russia With Love mentoring project for young directors […]

REVIEW: An Awkward Family Christmas (Outfit Theatre Company)

November 23, 2012

The title tells you all [by James Wenley] The ‘awkward’ brand of humour is one well known to audiences. Popularised in modern times by the Ricky Gervais School of comedy, it employs cringe, painful pauses, and a whiff of nastiness to sell its humour. Thomas Sainsbury has long done his own successful spin on the genre, and is a great […]

REVIEW: Chop/Stick (Chairman Meow)

November 22, 2012

A variety meal [by Matt Baker] From the Chinese lanterns that adorn the Basement Studio stairwell to the Beckoning Cat and incense in the hallway, Chop/Stick, presented by Chairman Meow Productions, immediately sets the tone for an overall theatrical experience. What makes it noteworthy is that it does not only set an ethnic specific tone, but generates an atmosphere that resonates […]

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