Tags

Feeds / Downstage theatre blog posts

This feed is published by Downstage Theatre Blog.

This feed is read by this Whakaoko subscription

Added on 3 Apr 2008. Last read 2 minutes ago.

To subscribe to this feed, enter the following location into your feed reader.

This feed currently contains the following newsitems (total count 25):

    • Adam Page Solo finishes this weekend ...
      • ... and if you haven't seen his show at Downstage, you should get your tickets now! Find out more here Adam page Solo That's what our patrons say about Adam Page Solo: "I look forward to another series of Adam Page's performances! He's such a funny and multi-talented musician, making music improvisations on the spot. A must-see show!" "Awesome!" "Hands down, the best show at Fringe this year! Adam Page Solo is a fun, funky, grooving show that makes you want to learn to play an instrument, even a kumara!" "Intelligent clowning - great fun - lots of thought, preparation and practice behind this apparently spontaneous show." "Going again this week, fantastic." "Brilliant!!!!" That's what the critics say about Adam Page Solo: "If you love music, you must go and see this show. You might even find that your new favourite band is made up of just one guy: Adam Page." Texture.co.nz "A truly amazing performer" Heather McDonald, Wotzon.com "His show mixes exceptional musical qualities with quirky high-energy comedy. Don’t miss it." Garth Wilshire, The Capital Times "It's a fun show from a talented and engaging performer with just enough of an off-beat edge to provide the something-for-everyone x-factor." Simon Sweetman, Dominion Post "He has all the relaxed charm of a casual stand-up comedian. Way more than a noise merchant, Page is clearly a very accomplished musician, composer and entertainer." John Smythe, Theatreview.com "Adam's quick witted and unpredictable act is acclaimed to be one of the best shows in the Fringe this year and with the audience whooping and clapping for more, no more proof is needed." Samantha Marsh, Kapiti Chronicle

    • Not just hot air...
      • When I first arrived in NZ a couple of years ago, my friend and I were driving north when we happened upon the myriad of turbines dotting the lanscape of the Tararua Wind Farm. We thought it was the coolest thing we'd ever seen. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie, but in a good way, not an alien-is-gonna-burst-out-of-your-guts way. How cool it would be to look out at that skyline everyday, and how cool that wind power was being utilised on such a large scale. Weeks later, I would learn of the proposed Makara wind farm project, and the resistence it was meeting from the local residents. So it was probably somewhat appropriate that Wellington turned on a cool, blustery night for the opening of the Downstage season of Turbine. The crowd, however, seemed to be in a warm and welcoming mood for the production. After making a mad beeline for our seats after a failed Eftpos transaction for our refreshments (I'll fix you up next week, Markus!), it turned out I needn't have rushed, as the actors were taking their time to ease into the opening scenes by undertaking a bit of doodling on the set's whiteboard-like backdrop. This 'doodling' would encompass a not insignificant portion of the play, and contributed to the storyline in many different and cool ways. The main characters were quickly established, and the crowd warmed particularly to actor/Director Tim Spite's Ariel, easily the most accessible character, with his idiot savant-type traits and eclectic mannerisms. All the actors played multiple roles, but the main characters of each dominated the action and made following the plot quite easy after the first few scenes. Are there 'scenes' in a play? I don't know, I'm just a guy who likes being entertained. And Turbine was very entertaining, even if the issues being addressed are still a little bit murky to me, the crux of the matter still not completely clear and neither side of the argument gaining my support, sympathy or understanding. But Turbine kept me laughing, thinking and yes, entertained for the full 90 minutes, and even if they may be evil or otherwise, I still think those bloody big windmills look cool!

    • Let 2009 begin with a fresh gust of Wellington theatre ...
      • Turbine opens on Friday (there are still cheap $20 tickets left for the preview on Thursday), and we hope you enjoy the return of the SEEyD Theatre Company to Downstage. Here “I mean why were these guys here? To convince us that our view wouldn’t look that bad once the wind farm was built? I just never understood what they were trying to do. They certainly never showed any sign of taking our concerns into consideration. They were here for three hours on a Sunday for Christ’s sake.” Hearing this from a Makara resident 3 years ago got me interested in the wind farm debate. Most of us are pro-wind for obvious reasons but we don’t think about what it would be like to live within a kilometre of a turbine the size of a football field. It would be hard to imagine what that was going to be like. We would worry about all sorts of things that we didn’t fully understand like how the noise might affect us or if it would affect our property price. We would probably then find information on the internet that would support, even enhance our fears and a battle between us and the power company might follow. Interviewing people on both sides of the debate uncovered a more complex issue than I had anticipated, but when I was told by Meridian that the Makara residents “Didn’t want to hear the relevant explanations for their various concerns” I thought that’s it! At what point will people make a compromise? What sort of pressure needs to be applied to a person before they listen; see the other side’s point of view; change their minds about an issue … any issue, whether it be politics or relationships. From that point it was easier to know what we were writing about and from that point the human story of Turbine was developed. Turbine was first presented two years ago at Bats Theatre but the issues surrounding wind farms have hardly changed. What has changed is the play itself. Having the opportunity to rework a play for a second season is a vital part of developing any play but one we seldom get the opportunity to do. I would like to thank Downstage for giving us that precious opportunity. Tim Spite Director

    • Adam Page Solo The Big Idea Q & A
      • Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Below is a Q and A I filled out for the website www.thebigidea.co.nz I was feeling extra silly when filling it out. Had a lot of fun though!! here 'tis During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired? During the sleeping hours How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style? Aesthetically bare footed and stylishly unstylish What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill? Free beer during my shows. How does your environment affect your work? Well I’m not so crash hot on pollution and global warming, so quite negatively I guess. Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details? I generally prefer to focus on the details of the big picture What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries? If you forget someone’s name just call them “Man”, Dude” or “Mate” Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction? Writing a piece of music for the 2007 Masters Gymnastics competition… seriously! Who or what has inspired you recently? Who?.... the person who invented sesame snaps. What?.... sesame snaps If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be? Marine Biology or a journalist for The Big Idea What place is always with you, wherever you go? Karamea What's the best way to listen to music, and why? With a couple of beers in the bathtub wearing a fishnet shirt and bunny paws… coz that’s how all songs are usually written… well mine anyway. You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make? A surrender flag to use after I insult all the Kiwi’s in the audience during my show. What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given? I don’t think you can publish that. What's great about today? My latest contribution to my toilet What’s great about the NZ Fringe Festival? Hopefully all the free beer during my shows What’s your big idea for 2009? To heal the world, make it a better place, for you, and for me, and the entire human race. There are people dying, if you care enough for the living… make a better place for you and for me.

    • Adam Page Solo DVD Preview
      • yes that's right folks... if you want to see a sneak peak on what my show might be like (it's different every night so this'll be an indication anyway!!....) go to the following link.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr1ykpNPOSg You can also buy the entire DVD and my CD from the Downstage Theatre Box Office from mid Feb!!

    • Downstage 2009 - 12 theatrical events to stir the senses and get your blood pumping!
      • Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Downstage Theatre is excited to announce its programme for the first half of 2009. After a very successful year with seven Chapman Tripp Awards for productions staged at Downstage, the 2009 Season One Showcase “Get your blood pumping!” offers another season of unique performing arts experiences at the theatre. The programme enters the festival spirit by showcasing a broad range of productions, legendary performances and exciting new works. With BNZ as a proud supporter, Downstage offers live presentations by New Zealand and international theatre makers with a fresh perspective and energy, entertainment value, proven artistry and stagecraft, exciting new voices and unforgettable stories and visuals. Prices for the shows range from $20 to $49, Early Bird discounts apply for some shows. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For up-to-date information, prices and bookings visit www.downstage.co.nz Turbine - By The SEEyD Theatre Company (Wellington) 13 Feb - 7 Mar We’re the Saudi Arabia of wind! With the controversial issue of wind farming SEEyD blows another gust of fresh air through Wellington theatre. What happens when a company that’s doing everything it can to save the environment can’t reconcile with an already environmentally conscious family? At first the self-sufficient Gusten household is united in its opposition to erect seventy turbines in their ‘backyard’, but a family secret, erotic fiction, an autistic son, global warming and a most unlikely love story combine to crack their resolve. Directed by 2008 Chapman Tripp Award Winner Tim Spite. NZ Fringe Festival at Downstage: Strike Soundsystem (Wellington) 15 Feb Big beats and good times! New Zealand’s premier percussion ensemble Strike, Winner of the 2007 NZ Fringe Best Music Award for In the Cube, are back this time with some friends: Lisa Tomlins (Rhombus, The Eggs), Mana (Rhombus) and Samu (Silverbeatz). An exciting one-off concert showcasing tracks from Strike’s upcoming album. For one night only! NZ Fringe Festival at Downstage: Adam Page Solo (Australia) 18 - 28 Feb A one-man-does-all musical extravaganza with 15 instruments, 1 vegetable and so many possibilities! Winner of the Best Music by an Emerging Artist Award at the 2007 Adelaide Fringe Festival and one of the best saxophonists in South Australia Adam makes his first appearance in New Zealand. Fresh from a successful run at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adam Page presents a hilarious interactive and improvised performance. Probably the most original music show you will see this Fringe. A wicked experience for all ages! Capital E National Arts Festival at Downstage: Suitcase and Ziggy Swift - By Krinkl Theatre (Australia) 14 Mar Suitcase is a touching exploration of poverty and riches. Ziggy Swift is a hip-hopping legend from another dimension; both productions showcase the diverse talents of Sydney-based puppetry company Krinkl. Whether it’s performing Matrix-like musical stunts or drawing pictures with grains of rice, this enchanting dual performance will have children’s eyes glued to the action. Both shows are recommended for 3 to 8 year olds. Capital E National Arts Festival at Downstage: Strange Resting Places (specially adapted version for young audiences) - By Taki Rua Productions (Wellington) 21 Mar Nationally acclaimed Māori theatre company, Taki Rua, have adapted their award-winning WWII production Strange Resting Places for younger audiences. This story of two young soldiers, one Māori one Italian, holed up together for a night, highlights the strong connections that come from being human and being young, no matter where we’re from. Recommended age: 8 years plus. Strange Resting Places - By Taki Rua Productions (Wellington) 16 - 21 Mar With music and comedy in Māori, Italian and English and some hilarious and moving characters, Strange Resting Places performed at the NZ International Arts Festival to rave reviews. It returns to Wellington and shines a light on the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand's wartime history and the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians: whanau, food and song - not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies. Directed by Leo Gene Peters, starring Paolo Rotondo, Rob Mokaraka & Maaka Pohatu. My Brilliant Divorce - Written by Geraldine Aron 26 Mar - 11 Apr Ginette McDonald stars in the return season of this hilarious one-woman tour de force! Wittily observant, achingly funny and heart-wrenchingly real this comedy explores what life is like for Angela, recently dumped by her accountant husband for a younger model. Left with the dog, emotionally bereft and with self-confidence at an all time low, she finds herself adrift in a sea of weird sexual encounters, sneaky solicitors, phone-in counsellors, a bad case of hypochondria and the spectre of poverty! Should she fight to keep her husband? Or should she sign the final papers and move on? Directed by John Harding. The Pick of the Fringe 29 Apr - 7 May Relive the festival spirit and dive into the deviant, different and experimental theatre presented by young practitioners. Following last year’s success, the Pick of the Fringe has been instituted as an annual event; Downstage Theatre picks three real gems from the NZ Festival fringe for a limited return season. NZ International Comedy Festival at Downstage: A Night with Beau Tyler – Written and performed by Peter Feeney (Auckland) 8 – 23 May Amidst the disturbing world of the self-help industry shines a bright new star. Beau Tyler is on the comeback trail with a new self help system that will challenge the existing gurus of spin – and rock your world. A funny and thought provoking theatrical satire that changes your life, directed by Greg Cooper. NZ International Comedy Festival at Downstage: Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams – Written and performed by Sammy J and Heath McIvor (Australia) 8 – 23 May Take the music of Disney, the drama of Lord of the Rings, and the emotion of Les Miserables. Then blindfold them, beat them, regain their trust, beat them again, and you might end up with something resembling Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams. A total sell-out at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this stunningly hilarious tribute to the tales of our childhood features toe-tapping songs, stunning visual effects and a cast of 14 puppets. A comedy spectacular that will have you in stitches, just leave the kids at home! Winner of The Age Critics’ Award Winner and Barry Award Nominee in the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, directed by New Zealand comedian and director Alan Brough. Othello Polynesia - By Black Friars Theatre Co. (Auckland) 2 – 6 Jun Shakespeare as you have never seen it before, this tragic tale of revenge, betrayal, jealousy and love comes alive in modern-day Polynesia. A play that portrays Othello as the only palagi character in a brown society, driven by the cunning manipulations of the malignant Iago. A fast-paced heartbreaking drama performed by one of New Zealand’s newest Polynesian theatre groups. Directed by Michelle Johansson. The Raft - Written by Carl Nixon 12 Jun – 4 Jul Set over a rainy weekend in a West Coast bach, Carl Nixon's story of a devastating family tragedy, and its appalling consequences for relationships, is a strong, gripping and bold drama. The Raft - a stormy emotional journey of realisation, beautifully conceived by some of New Zealand's leading artists. Experience how one intense weekend for a family becomes a stunning night of theatre for the audience. Directed by Duncan Smith.

    • And the award goes to
      • After a wonderful ceremony at the Wellington Town Hall last night Downstage is proud to congratulate the 2008 CHAPMAN TRIPP THEATRE AWARD Winners, especially the following ones: Downstage Theatre Award for the Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year Arthur Meek - On the Conditions and Possibilities of Helen Clark Taking Me as Her Young Lover Weta Workshop Award for Set Designer of the Year Daniel Williams - The Little Dog Laughed Constance Scott Kirkcaldie Award for Outstanding Composer of Music Jonathan Crayford - Adagio Chapman Tripp Award for Supporting Actor of the Year Felix Preval - Sensible Susan and the Queen's Merkin; A Morality Play The Absolutely Positively Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year Where We Once Belonged - adapted by Dave Armstrong from the novel by Sia Figiel The winner of the Mayor's Award for Significant Contribution to the Theatre Sunny Amey EAT Wellington Accolade for Outstanding Performance Kip Chapman - The Little Dog Laughed The Museum Hotel Award for Director of the Year Tim Spite - Paua All winners are listed on Theatreview. Thanks for your support, we are looking forward to a fabulous 2009 season.

    • The Little Dog Laughed: A hack's view.
      • Let's get one thing straight; I'm not a theatre reviewer. I'm a cycling journalist who knows a cyclist who works in theatre. The old adage "it's not what you know, it's who you know" holds true in this scenario. While I know more about handlebars and chains than ad-libs and breaking a leg (and although that can happen in cycling, you wouldn't wish it upon someone embarking on a ride), I'm always up for some entertainment of the non-two-wheeled kind. So it was off to Downstage to experience The Little Dog Laughed. As with most things I undertake in the course of a typical day, my mind was a blank canvas, with only a cursory glance at the facebook blurb about the play for ammunition. Basically, I had no idea what I was about to see. The premise of The Little Dog Laughed is, in a nutshell, famous actor with suppressed homosexuality falls for rent-boy with brassy girlfriend, but can't make it public for fear of career destruction and wrath of controlling, outspoken agent. The result is a web of deception, lies, and internal struggles with how to deal with the situation. Hey, I said it was in a nutshell! Without going too much into the actual plot, I enjoyed the story, and was kept interested for the whole two hours, something I thought I may have struggled with when I saw the length in the preview. The acting was very impressive on the whole, although I wondered if the American accents were necessary for an NZ production of a US play... probably, but what do I know about theatre? I found the character of Dianne to be hard to understand on occassion, with her rapid-fire vocal delivery. Most of all I found the character of Alex to be the most human and accessible, but all the actors delivered great performances. New Zealand's got talent? For sure. And it was definitely a better way to spend a Wednesday night than watching Ice Road Truckers!

    • 16 Chapman Tripp Award nominations for shows that played at Downstage in 2008
      • Downstage is delighted to announce that our current production The Little Dog Laughed has been nominated for four Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards this year. The play is on till 29 November and is getting rave reviews, so take your chance to see it now! With a total of 16 nominations for productions that have been staged at Downstage we are looking forward to the Awards Night on Sunday 7th December at the Wellington Town Hall. Congratulations to all nominees! The Little Dog Laughed - Director of the Year (Willem Wassenaar) - Set Designer of the Year (Daniel Williams) - Most Promising Female Newcomer (Sophie Hambleton) - Outstanding Performance (Kip Chapman) Read more about Kip here Paua - Director of the Year (Tim Spite) - Lighting Designer of the Year (Natasha James) - Production of the Year On the Conditions and Possibilities of Helen Clark Taking Me as Her Young Lover - Most Original Production of the Year - Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year (Arthur Meek) - Production of the Year Bare - Most Promising Female Newcomer of the Year (Morgana O’Reilly) Adagio - Outstanding Composer of Music (Jonathan Crayford) 2b or nt 2b? - Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year (Sarah Delahunty) Where We Once Belonged – Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year (David Armstrong) Sensible Susan and the Queen’s Merkin - Supporting Actor of the Year (Felix Preval) Te Karakia - Outstanding Performance/Actress of the Year (Miriama McDowell)

    • The Little Dog Laughed: Ellen's blog
      • Stupid people make me want to hurt myself. They are everywhere! There needs to be a law, if you are an idiot, you get your tubes tied and are cock chopped off! It infuriates me how much time I waste in my everyday life dealing with total brainless fuckwits! Yesterday in Starbucks – Yes shock horror I get coffee from Starbucks – get over it! I don’t believe in all that globalism bullshit anyways, so, there I was waiting for my vanilla latte hoping that the guy behind the counter would remember me from last week and give me free coffee again, - I don’t know what it is but people just keeping giving me shit at the moment. Anyways so I overheard this lollipop-head barbie telling her friend in Starbucks, that she had come to New York City to ‘Find herself’!!!!!!!!!!!!! what the fuck? You don’t ‘find yourself’ in NYC you stupid horse-face bitch!! The whole point of being in NY is so that you don’t have to even think about that kind of thing, I mean, if you want to put it spiritually or some shit, you come to NY, you stay in NY to ‘loose’ yourself if anything!! What has she been doing here? Sitting in Central Park next to the John Lennon memorial and singing strawberry fields forever??? For fucks sake?? So I leaned past her toothpick of a so called friend and said “Honey take my advice, I think you should just fuck off back to the farm you came from and start looking up your own arse because you’re clearly gonna have more luck there, there’s no room on the subway for fuckwits like you!” They both turned around and stared at me for a few seconds, and then the walking anorexia advertisement says to me ‘NO thanks, we’ve just ordered.” I flicked my cigarette ash into her coffee and walked off. What an Idiot. Later on I’m in Macy’s waiting for the alien behind the Chanel counter to go on her break so I can grab so lipstick and I hear this wrinkly old tart telling her equally as wrinkly and hideous friend that her daughter is getting married in a month but she’s not sure if she can go to the wedding because she can’t get into see her plastic surgeon till December and she is NOT going to the wedding unless she can get her eyes lifted. She then asks the girl behind the Dior counter if she had any “rouge.” I called out to her from my perch “Rouge is what hookers wear!” Stupid people deserve the stupid things that happen to them. Don’t leave your bag open on the counter while you choose your lunch! Don’t get a perm! Don’t go to the movies, sit in the back row and get annoyed if the people around you are having sex. Don’t think that by adding a cherry to my drink you can call it a cocktail and then throw me out of your stupid, hideous 80s décor bar if I throw it in your face. Don’t make faces at “tsk tsk” noises at me if I smoke standing next to your child at the park, Move!! You stupid saggy-tit moron! Go and watch Ellen live in THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED at Downstage

    • Great reviews for The Little Dog Laughed
      • What the reviewers say: "A great piece of contemporary theatre with real themes, engrossing performers and a pertinent message. Wassenaar's work continues to be some of the most interesting and engaging in Wellington, and the future of Wellington theatre will be bright as long as he is here." Jackson Coe, Salient "Who wouldn't laugh to see such fun? This biting New York satire of showbiz hypocrisy has inspired Wassenaar and Co to turn on yet another hugely spunky entertainment. Not to be missed." Mary Anne Bourke, Theatreview.com And what our patrons say: "It's been a while since I been to any live theatre. I found "The Little Dog Laughed" to be a great way to get back into the theatre scene. It wasn't heavy intense drama but it was light hearted, quirky and fun." "It was a lot of intelligent fun, pointing out, how life as a Hollywood actor in the closet might be - and it was quite an achievement of director, cast and crew to bring it to live very convincing." "A beautifully written play that’s both humorous and potent, The dialogue is truly wonderful. Outstanding performance by the cast. Like all productions by William Wassenaar The Little Dog Laughed is a class act !!!!!" "I really enjoyed the two female characters, they were great!!" Don't miss this witty and funny play, book now at Downstage.co.nz or phone 801 6946

    • The Little Dog Laughed starts at Downstage - A note from Director Willem Wassenaar
      • Diane: And that’s how one wins. By shutting up. You can win. And all you have to do is shut up. Don’t say anything. This is where we are in our lives. This world is a brothel. And we are all prostitutes; selling ourselves to fit the ideal image of success and happiness. What is hidden behind the perfect smile of those Hollywood icons we have come to love and hate? They are people at the top of their profession, who have everything, who have achieved greatness… and yet, we love to grab a random tabloid, go to the red carpet pages and put their achievements to the test. Fold the page over those cheesy grins and the eyes start to reveal a whole other story. Compromise ─ I hate that word, as a human being and as an artist. Has our idea of happiness superseded our primal need to love and be loved? The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane presents the façade, the make believe world that we all consume, chew over and spit out in fits and starts. But would we have it any other way? In this dark comedy of manners, we watch in horror as four people make their individual choices to be happy. The truth has consequences; but the lies are a living hell. So, do we shut up in order to win? My thanks to the amazing, brave team of The Little Dog Laughed and Downstage Theatre, and a special mention for my long term collaborator Daniel Williams. This is our last project before this beautiful man heads out into the world to go on outrageous adventures. Let’s hope for the theatre in New Zealand that he comes back. I also wish to thank… (cut to music) Willem Wassenaar Director The Little Dog Laughed

    • Seriously good.
      • There's a great line in a Simpsons episode (well there's a plethora of them really) when C. Montgomery Burns is viewing the less-than-flattering nude portrait of him which Marge has painted. In his typically non-plussed manner, he states "I don't know much about art, but I know what I hate; and I don't hate this." Now, I don't profess to know much about art either, but Adagio-Seriously Sophisticated Circus had me enthralled and not thinking about hate one bit. From the opening minute, when each of the performers was introduced to the audience in a sequence which had us in a quandry as to which performer to focus on, to the mirror-image closure, I was amazed, amused, and just plain entertained in a way that I'm not generally accustomed to. But I liked it. A lot. Without being able to properly dissect the performance, to verbalise the nuances of the techniques deployed, or even identify the performers correctly, I'll at least have a crack and break it down to a Monty Burns-esqe critique. Adagio combines live music, comedy, pantomime, dance and most of all (as the name implies) amazing feats of gymnastic ability on an array of 'equipment' (chairs, swings, ropes etc). The two main protagonists were a diminutive male and a blonde female whose pure strength and incredible poise was so immense and impressive that you would think it looked so easy, but then you'd digest what they were doing and imagine trying to do it yourself, summising with a mental "no way!". This was my second experience at Downstage, after the also brilliant Strike earlier this year, and if the quality of these two shows is an indicator of the fare on offer, then I can see myself making more regular visits. And I'd recommend that everyone should get along and experience Adagio... it's been extended, so there's no reason not too. Might even make it back for seconds myself. Thanks to Markus at Downstage. Brett Kennedy

    • Adagio extended till 1 Nov
      • Good news! Downstage and Awkward Productions are proud to announce that ADAGIO’s season at the theatre is extended by popular demand till 1 November. The show, which takes circus out of the tent and into the theatre, features a blend of syncopated circus acts and music from Jonathan Crayford. Directed by Deborah Pope, ADAGIO received excellent feedback from both audiences and reviewers. Downstage also introduced a family pass for the 6.30 pm performances from Monday till Wednesday and the 3 pm matinee on Saturday 25 October. The family ticket is available at a price of $100 at the Downstage box office and on the phone and includes admission for two adults and two children. ADAGIO is a combination of physical theatre, circus, contemporary dance, music and comedy. With Mason West, Rowan Heydon-White, Angela Green, Jenny McArthur and Asalemo Tofete the show features five highly skilled physical performers, unique in their approach to theatre making, joined by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra double bassist Vicki Jones and jazz musician Rosie Langabeer. ADAGIO is playing at Downstage Theatre till 1 November, Monday to Wednesday at 6.30 pm and Thursday to Saturday at 7.30 pm, with an afternoon matinee at 3 pm on Saturday 25 October. Ticket prices range from $20 to $42. Tickets can be purchased online at www.downstage.co.nz, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For more information on the show please visit www.downstage.co.nz/adagio “Adagio offers a beautifully crafted hour of existential physical theatre. Perfect spring fare." John Smythe, Theatreview.com “What a circus, what a show. Go see!” Laurie Atkinson, The Dominion Post “By far the most entertaining seventy minutes I had experienced at the theatre in a very long time. Just superb.” Texture.co.nz

    • Watch Bare - Now at Downstage Theatre
      • "Once again the combination of great performances and dazzling writing makes for a thoroughly entertaining, gentle satire of 'our people today' that clearly stands the test of time. Go." Mary Anne Bourke (Theatreview) on BARE Love, sex, family, friendship, youth and bad movies at multiplexes - listen to our people talk! Directed by award-winning director Oliver Driver Toa Fraser's classic New Zealand comedy BARE is an hilarious matrix of urban poetry. Armed with the voice of the street, two actors riff on body image, films, takeaway food, graffiti and English literature. Downstage is proud to present this limited season (13 performances only!) of this new production of BARE that premiered at Silo Theatre in Auckland last year. Don't miss out on this iconic Kiwi play starring Morgana O’Reilly (Winner: Best Emerging Actress - Metro Best Of Auckland Awards 2007) and Curtis Vowell (The Ensemble Project), that launched the career of Toa Fraser. Ticket prices range from $20 - $42. Book now at www.downstage.co.nz or by phone (04) 8016946. Till 4 October. For more information on the show please visit www.downstage.co.nz/bare

    • Watch this AMAZING SHOW
      • Don't miss our current show STRIKE: ELEMENTAL, described as "amazing show" by Simon Sweetman. Founded in 1993 as a classically trained percussion ensemble, Strike has evolved into a high-energy drumming group combining movement and theatre-based performance. "Filled with movement, shadow, space, light, darkness, mime and - most gloriously - loud, clattering drums, Strike's ELEMENTAL is the best show I have seen from the talented quartet. And it's well-priced for a theatre show too." says Simon Sweetman. Strike’s follow-up to their award-winning stage show In The Cube (Winner Wellington Fringe Best Music Award 2007) features four of the country’s top percussionists harnessing the sonic power of the elements; fire, water, earth and the airwaves. The hour and a half non-stop show takes the audience on a breathtaking rhythmical journey and includes all new compositions, including two from top New Zealand composer Gareth Farr. "It's a total workout for performers and audience, and has something for everyone." (Simon Sweetman) Don't miss this great show, and book your tickets now at 801 6946 or here Watch the pictures for Strike: Elemental on FLICKR

Updated Feeds

Recently updated feeds from local organisations.