Dexterous “Big Fish” Yarn [by James Wenley] A Night to Dismember by Australian creator and performer Wil Greenway is a late Fringe entry that handily plugged a gap in The Basement’s schedule after previously advertised Truth was cancelled. Hopping across the ditch after seasons in Adelaide and Melbourne, Dismember has a true Aussie larrikin spirit and an off-beat sensibility that […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Challenge Accepted [by James Wenley] I got a sneak preview of 13 when I went to the shows at the upstairs Basement Studio the night before. A cacophony of shouts and screams impossible to ignore rose from the floorboards below. Whatever was happening downstairs, it sounded explosive. 13 is an audacious choice of play for The Actors’ Program graduation showcase: […]
Do the Time [by James Wenley] “New Zealand tales great care of birds and trees and it is almost a capital offence to cut a branch off a tree, particularly a Pohutakwa. Sadly, the justice system doesn’t take care of vulnerable babies and young women. Haven’t we got something wrong here?” – Letter to the Editor, NZ Herald. 23.10.2012 Everyone has an […]
Give this Dogwasher some love [by James Wenley] In the same week that the Mary Poppins juggernaught opens at The Civic, there’s another Musical up the road playing at The Basement. The work of Toi Whakaari acting graduates Adrian Hooke and Hayley Brown, The Likes of a Loveless Dogwasher is a charmingly lo-fi and accessible Musical comedy. What they lack […]
First person pro [by Matt Baker] It’s been eight years since Stephen Papps wrote and starred in his own solo show, and I can honestly say is it’s a pity that it’s taken this long for him to do so again. In saying that, Third Person, Tense! is not technically a solo show. It’s billed as ‘a solo show with […]
There’s more than one hole in it [by Matt Baker] After a 30-minute delay due to technical difficulties, we were finally ushered into the Basement loft, but not before being told that we were about to see the ‘greatest show of our lives.’ It was a bold and conceited statement, and one to which the show does not live up. […]
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