REVIEW: Don Juan (A Slightly Isolated Dog)

November 1, 2016

[Juan Direction] The false illusion of immersive theatre is that the audience co-authors the play with the theatremakers. That without the audience the play would not be the same. But the reality is most interactive theatre experiences are as pre-determined and scripted as any conventional ones. Any sense of freedom or choice is mostly manufactured, never rising beyond a clever […]

REVIEW: Sydney Bridge Upside Down (Taki Rua Productions)

August 8, 2013

Stylised, Sinister and Sexy [by Sharu Delilkan] When I heard that David Ballantyne’s classic novel Sydney Bridge Upside Down was going to be staged by Taki Rua Productions I fought tooth and nail to get the chance to review this iconic New Zealand piece. But in retrospect I may have been a little bit too hasty as the show that […]

REVIEW: Little Shop of Horrors (ATC)

November 5, 2012

Triffically Entertaining [by Matt Baker] Anyone who has an appreciation of ‘60s doo-wop or classic musical theatre will be entertained by ATC’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, because it is the musical talent that not only carries this show, but gives it some emotional depth and journey. While the entire creative team jointly recognises and illustrates their influences and […]

REVIEW: Tartuffe (Silo Theatre)

November 7, 2011

Tartuffe for the 3D Generation [by James Wenley] If nothing else, Tartuffe is an experience. ‘This is not museum theatre’, warns/promises Silo Theatre in their bus shelter ads around town.  I’m curious about what their definition is, because I certainly don’t feel like Auckland is ‘afflicted’ by productions of this type. Professional Shakespeare’s in period dress for example are the rare […]

REVIEW: The End of the Golden Weather (Auckland Theatre Company)

September 8, 2011

Milk and Honey Dreams [by James Wenley] The End of the Golden Weather has got to be one of the great New Zealand stories. As a play, it’s endured far beyond its intended lifespan. Playwright Bruce Mason wrote it partly as a platform for himself, performing the work solo across NZ in the decades for a staggering 986 performances, until […]

Musing about ‘I love you bro’ (Silo Theatre)

August 9, 2011

A/S/L? [by James Wenley] One of the oldest forms of human communication meets one of its newest in I love you bro. And they aren’t much different at all. Silo Theatre’s current offering launches its ‘Second Cousin’ brand where they can “muck around with conventions to create work which is decidedly new and unlike anything you’ll see in our mainbill […]

INTERVIEW: Tim Carlsen on One Day Moko and more

June 13, 2011

Remember this name [by James Wenley] You might not know who Tim Carlsen is yet, but by the end of the year Auckland Theatregoers will certainly be able to put a face to the name. The second half of the year is a big one for the 2009 Toi Whakaari Acting graduate, as he not only brings his solo theatre creation ‘One […]