REVIEW: One by One (Auckland Fringe)

February 27, 2013

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 […]

REVIEW: The Road that Wasn’t There (Auckland Fringe)

February 25, 2013

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 […]

REVIEW: Elevator (Auckland Fringe)

February 25, 2013

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 […]

REVIEW: The Bitches Box (Auckland Fringe)

February 22, 2013

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 […]

REVIEW: Bus Stop (Auckland Fringe)

February 22, 2013

Any minute now… [by Matt Baker] Youth suicide. It’s an unquestionably prevalent and heavy-handed topic, and it’s been chosen as the theme for Dark Horse Productions’ (a group of eight of The Actors’ Program graduates) fringe show. Writers notes, and Youthline and LifeLine advertisements in the programme indicate a genuine attempt to address the issue, however, it would have been […]

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 […]

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: 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 […]

REVIEW: Tell me on a Sunday (The Real Theatre Company)

November 15, 2012

Left in a bind [by Matt Baker] With the right vehicle a musician can stake their claim in the world of acting. From Madonna in 1996’s Evita to Melanie Brown in the 2004 revival of Rent, the musical stage and screen is becoming readily accepted as a platform on which such musical artists may step. I was excited at the […]

REVIEW: Eigengrau (potent pause) productions

November 14, 2012

More than black and white [by Matt Baker] Meet Cassie. She’s just moved in with Rose, who’s just had a one-night stand with Mark, who’s fed up of living with Tim, who secretly loves Rose, who’s just using Tim to get to Mark (who she loves), who’s just become very interested in Cassie. While the magnitude of that sentence is […]

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