Genre: Theatre

The Savage Coloniser Show

Following on from the internationally triumphant production of Tusiata Avia’s Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, FCC theatre company brings to ferocious life the acclaimed writer’s The Savage Coloniser Book, for which she became the first female Pasifika poet to take out the Ockham Award for poetry.

This incredible show will be on stage in both the North and South Island of Aotearoa before it's International debut in South Korea at the Seoul Performing Arts Festival.

““…this is a production of unparalleled excellence.” - The SpinOff

With packed houses in previous seasons across Aotearoa, under the artful direction of the formidable Anapela Polata’ivao, Avia’s unapologetic examination of race and racism is full of bold humour, courage and lacerating truths. Red-sequinned dusky maidens train their sights on James Cook, Samoan school girls play an innocent game of patty-cake as they describe the atrocities on Nauru, and a Tour Guide offers instructions on how to be in a room full of white people.

Fierce, furious and fabulously unforgiving, The Savage Coloniser Show is theatre that is as provocative as it is necessary – and a red-hot ticket you should fear missing out on.

“With characteristic savage and stylish wit, Avia holds the word-blade to our necks and presses with a relentless grace. At the end, you’ll feel your pulse anew.” — Selina Tusitala Marsh, NZ Poet Laureate

Writer - Tusiata Avia (MNZM)
Director - Anapela Polata’ivao (ONZM)
FCC Producer - Victor Rodger (ONZM)
Company Producer - Andrew Malmo
Assistant Producer / Tour Manager - Kasi Valu
Stage Manager  - Chrissy Vaega
Choreographers - Tupua Tigafua and Mario Faumui
Composer - David Long
Production Designers - Bradley Gledhill and Rachel Marlow (Filament Eleven 11)
Production Manager / Sound Operator  - Emily Hakaraia
Lighting Operator - Peter Davison
Costume Design - Elizabeth Whiting

Originally commissioned by and premiered at Auckland Arts Festival 2023 this tour is supported by Creative New Zealand, produced by FCC and presented as part of the PANNZ (Performing Arts Network New Zealand) touring programme.

Recommended for ages 14+. The content of this show touches on important but difficult historical  - societal themes such as colonisation, slavery, genocide, sexual abuse and racism. Contains strong language.

GOT TICKETS TO THE SHOW? DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME HERE.

The Haka Party Incident

Following its renowned sold-out premiere season in 2021, The Haka Party Incident will be presented across Aotearoa in June 2023 as part of PANNZ's touring programme.

“Masterfully brings to life a bold act of resistance…intensely funny, to heartbreakingly sad in a single beat”

Theatreview, 09 April 2021

The last New Zealand war took place in Auckland in 1979. It lasted three minutes.

The Haka Party Incident resurrects the eventful day when a group of University of Auckland engineering students rehearsing their annual tradition of a mock haka are confronted by the activist group, He Taua.

The incident sent ripples through the nation and changed race relations in New Zealand forever.

Crafted by film-maker and theatre director Katie Wolfe (The Mooncake and the Kūmara, Waru, He Māngai Wāhine, Artefact), The Haka Party Incident is verbatim theatre that innovatively combines documentary and kapa haka to thrilling effect.

Provocative, resonant and unforgettable, The Haka Party Incident is a not-to-be-missed theatre event.

Writer & Director - Katie Wolfe
Kaiako Kapa Haka/ Kaitito Haka - Nīkau Balme
Sound Design& Musical Direction - Kingsley Spargo
Taonga Pūoro - Whetu Silver
Set Design - John Verryt
Lighting Design - Jo Kilgour
Costume Design - Alison Reid
Performers - Roimata Fox, Nī Dekkers-Reihana, Lauren Gibson, Aidan O’Malley, Patrick Tafa, Kauri Williams, Finley Hughes

Supported by Creative New Zealand, produced by Tasman Ray Productions and presented as part of the PANNZ (Performing Arts Network New Zealand) touring programme. Originally commissioned and produced by Auckland Theatre Company, original season co-presented by Auckland Festival.
By arrangement with Playmarket.

The PANNZ national tour will be followed later this year with shows at Tauranga Arts Festival (19-20 Oct) and Court Theatre in Christchurch (25 Oct - 11 Nov).

Shel We?

Shel We hero image

Le Moana's Shel We is being presented in Aotearoa as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers.

 

 

 

Creator: Tupua Tigafua
Designers: Lisa Maule and Spencer Earwaker
Featuring: Sean Macdonald, Tupua Tigafua, Chris Ofanoa, Kosta Bogoievski, Andy Faiaogo, Carl Tolentino
Producer: Le Moana

Image credit (hero): Image Credit – Pati Solomona Tyrell
Image credit (production photos): Celia Walmsley - Stagebox Photography

Inspired by American writer Shel Silverstein, Shel We? is an enchanting, playfully intriguing, and visually stunning dance show that can be enjoyed by the whole family and appeals to different generations from all walks of life. Created by Tupua Tigafua a highly accomplished dancer and one of the most ingenious storytellers of his generation.

Shel Silverstein a critically acclaimed writer of children’s books such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up and notably The Giving Tree. He also wrote iconic ballads such as Sylvia’s Mother for Doctor Hook and A Boy Named Sue for Johnny Cash.

Shel’s off beat style and brilliant use of metaphorical imagery in his poetry and illustrations is what inspires Tupua’s choreography - ultimately, delivering a tribute to his parents, his family and the environment that has inspired him over the years.

"Humorous, wonderous, playful, polished, sharp, well timed, joyful, thoughtful, simple yet intricately layered." - Theatreview

Thoroughly Modern Māui

Metro Māori Productions Ltd's Thoroughly Modern Māui will be presented across Aotearoa in September/October 2022 as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers. Tour dates and regions will be announced soon.

 

 

 

Director - Matariki Whatarau
Dramaturge - Kate Prior & Renee Lyons
Writer/Performer - Rutene Spooner
Music - Te Aihe Butler & Rutene Spooner
Costume - Tina Thomas
Executive Producer - Metro Māori Productions Ltd
Production Partner - Pilot Productions

Image credit (hero): Ivan Muller
Image credit (production photos): Jack Barry, 2113 Creative

Many moons ago, a superhero of a different kind ruled this side of the Pacific. His name was Māui-Tikitiki-A-Taranga – MĀUI.

A warrior and demigod, his adventures are woven into the fabric of Pacific history. In Aotearoa, this ‘Māori Superman’ was fast, fit, and funny. He was the total package. He slowed the sun, fished up the North Island and brought fire to the world – to name just a few of his feats!

Burgeoning music theatre star Rutene Spooner is channelling this Māori hero into a modern-day icon – complete with rhinestones and glitter. This ‘haka-boogie-hori’ will be pulling out all his tricks from the past and reincarnating Māui into a living breathing musical rock star before your very eyes. Featuring charmingly quick-witted songs, hilarious antics and heart-felt storytelling.

 

Developed in partnership with Auckland Live.

"A highly talented and hilarious performer... the whanaungatanga
between Spooner and his band radiates authenticity and joy." - Theatrescenes

A Boy Called Piano

The Conch's A Boy Called Piano will be presented across Aotearoa in October 2022 as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers. Tour dates and tickets are available further below. For more information about A Boy Called Piano please visit the The Conch's website.

 

 

 

Writers: Fa’amoana John Luafutu & Tom McCrory
Director: Nina Nawalowalo
Producer: Katherine Wyeth
Executive Producer: Tom McCrory
Composer: Mark Vanilau
Starring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd, Ole Maiava
Visual Design: Rowan Pierce
Lighting Design: Hāmi Hawkins
Technical Manager: Mike Ainsworth
Technical Operator: Bekky Boyce

Featuring sound design elements and video footage from The Conch documentary film: A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu - Directed by Nina Nawalowalo, Produced by Katherine Wyeth, Executive Producer: Tom McCrory, Composer: Mark Vanilau, Edited by Lala Rolls, Cinematography by Jess Charlton, Sound Design by Mike Gibson, Featuring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Tāne Luafutu, Micah Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Tupe Lualua

Auckland 1963. Three eleven year old boys meet in a cell in the Family Court. Two Māori and one Samoan: Wheels, Piwi, and a boy called Piano. Made wards of state, they are taken to Ōwairaka Boys’ Home. There begins a story of darkness, abuse and pain, but also resilience as the boys seek to survive through the power of friendship, culture, music and the human spirit.

Growing from the award-winning collaboration of The White Guitar’s creative team, Pacific NZ theatre company The Conch is proud to walk beside Fa’amoana John Luafutu and the Luafutu Aiga as they courageously bring the true story of Fa’amoana’s experience - alongside thousands of Māori and Pasifika children - into the light.

Written by Fa’amoana John Luafutu and Tom McCrory, and directed by Nina Nawalowalo, A Boy Called Piano builds on The Conch’s kaupapa of harnessing the power of theatre as a force for social change. Combining physical storytelling, breathtaking visual design, and elements from The Conch documentary film A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu (NZIFF 2022 and winner 2022 Montreal Independent Film Festival), the play stars Fa’amoana alongside his son Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd and the renowned Ole Maiava, plus a stunning score performed live by Aotearoa music legend Mark Vanilau.

 

A Boy Called Piano was first produced at BATS Theatre, Wellington on 04 October 2022
Developed in partnership with Auckland Live

 

*No Interval. Lockout applies. Content warning: offensive language, contains themes relating to abuse and suicide.

“It’s gripping, insightful and appeals to our humanity.” - Theatreview

"This play is a reminder how powerful theatre is." - Dominion Post

 

 

Mr Red Light

Past Tour: Tour-Makers presented Mr Red Light with Nightsong in Oamaru (Waitaki Festival) Dunedin, Wanaka, Nelson and Blenheim (Nelson Arts Festival) and Tauranga (Tauranga Arts Festival) in October 2019. If you are interested in Mr Red Light or any further shows by Nightsong, please visit their website for more information.

Written by Carl Bland
Directed by Ben Crowder & Carl Bland
Starring: Jennifer Ludlam, Simon Ferry, Jess Sayer, Richard Te Are and Carl Bland
DRAMATIC FARCE
Mr Red Light is a man who attracts bad luck. Fleeing the police after a botched bank robbery, he seeks refuge in a pie shop and finds himself in charge of three very uncooperative hostages.

As time ticks by and police negotiations are bungled, Mr Red Light and his captives play a game of getting to know you.

Each has their own troubles. For Joker, employee of the month at the pie shop, life is a party he was never invited to. Dark and defensive Chrys is trapped behind the secretive walls she’s built around her. Eva, a lonely old woman, has lost the love of her life and is staring at her own mortality. And strangely, Mr Red Light seems to know more about his hostages’ lives than is possible.

With nowhere to run and nothing to lose, the four strangers form an unlikely bond. Suddenly the pie shop is a place where anything can happen.

From the team behind the award-winning Te Po, Spirit House and 360, Mr Red Light combines the hapless humour of Dog Day Afternoon with the quirky life-affirming charm of Amelie. Joyfully inventive, absurdly funny and full of surprises, it will remind you just how mysterious and wonderful life can be.

Please Note: Contains coarse language, scenes with a gun and gun fire.

Tour Media / Reviews 

18 August – RNZ / Making innovative theatre / interview with Carl Bland and Ben Crowder 

10 October – Otago Daily Times / A beacon of truth

12 October – Oamaru Mail review 

“Mr Red Light, billed as “absurdly funny and joyfully inventive”, was all that and a lot more.”

 

 

Still Life with Chickens

Image result for auckland theatre companyPast Tour: Tour-Makers presented Still Life With Chickens with Auckland Theatre Company in Dunedin (Dunedin Fringe Festival), Wanaka (Festival of Colour) and Oamaru in March/April 2019. If you are interested in Still Life With Chickens or any further shows by Auckland Theatre Company, please visit their website for more information.

 

 

WRITTEN BY D.F. MAMEA

Some friendships are just clucking surprising!

When Mama discovers a mischievous chicken invading her flourishing veggie garden her first instinct is to reach for the spade. But what starts out as a skirmish over the silverbeet develops into an unlikely friendship.

Award-winning playwright D.F. Mamea’s slice-of-life story paints a vivid portrait of the local neighbourhood, it’s colourful characters, and Mama’s dreams for herself and her family. Goretti Chadwick (Pani and Pani) gives a tour de force performance in the role of a lifetime, as she brings this glorious character to life. An intimate, heart-warming, and funny play about friendship, loss, love and life.

Winner of the Adam NZ Best Play 2017

Presented by PANNZ, an Auckland Theatre Company production supported by Creative New Zealand.

For 10+ years of age.

Tour Media / Reviews

27 March – Theatreview (Dunedin) review 

“Chadwick conveys the warmth and humour of Mama’s character, whilst also expressing the waves of emotion that she experiences. And the audience is with her – we all feel her love, her fear, her sadness.”

27 March – Otago Daily Times review 

“it has the guilelessness, uncomplicated narrative and moral resonance of a fable and the end, when it comes, will reignite your faith in simple, surprising miracles. Most of the Fringe events I’ve seen so far have been good, but this one is outstanding.” 

The Road That Wasn’t There

Image result for trick of the light Past Tour:  Tour-Makers presented The Road That Wasn’t There with Trick of the Light and Zanetti Productions in Blenheim, Christchurch, Oamaru, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Hamilton, Wanaka, New Plymouth, Invercargill and Te Anau April/May 2019. If you are interested in The Road That Wasn’t There or any further shows by Trick of the Light Theatre, please visit their website for more information.

 

This is a story about a girl who followed a map off the edge of the world…

In New Zealand, there are some 56,000 kilometres of paper roads – streets and towns that exist only on surveyors’ maps. Or do they? A young woman strays from the beaten track and finds herself in a paper world. It seems to be a land of possibility, but she soon discovers that things that happen in the fictional world can have frighteningly real consequences.

From award-winning company Trick of the Light Theatre (The Bookbinder) comes an original fairy-tale drawn from the twitchy edges of children’s literature – a dark world reminiscent of the works of Neil Gaiman and the late (great) Margaret Mahy.

Combining puppetry, shadow play, and live music, The Road That Wasn’t There is a curious tale for intrepid children (aged 8+) and adventurous adults.

“Charming, funny and haunting in equal measure…. a storytelling triumph.” – Word on the Street
“Thoroughly enchanting and totally engrossing… a must see show.” – The Dominion Post

 

Tour Media / Reviews 

4 April – Marlborough Express / Theatre’s first show promises to be a showstopper as it steps out of the shadows 

4 April – Otago Daily Times review 

‘It’s a polished and charming tale for young and old’

18 April – Stuff.co.nz review Christchurch 

‘Trick of the Light Theatre is a young company but, in this production, it reveals a maturity that many older companies would envy. Grab the chance to see them on stage. You won’t be disappointed.’

13 May – The Hook NZ review 

‘It is a meticulously constructed, beautifully designed and flawlessly performed “dark fairy-tale”’

13 May – Whanganui Chronicle / Following the Road That Wasn’t There all the Way to Whanganui 

Daffodils

6933168_300x300Past Tour: Tour-Makers presented Daffodils in Oamaru, Christchurch, Blenheim, Palmerston North, New Plymouth and Wellington in 2015. If you are interested in this show, please contact Bullet Heart Club.

This is far, far more than boy meets girl.  This is real life romance – Kiwi cabaret style.

Pull the cover off your favourite vinyl and discover a rich sonic world in Daffodils.

Travel through a landscape of live music and heart-aching theatre in this beautiful love story about a teddy boy and a farm girl: their first meeting, their marriage and the New Zealand pop-rock soundtrack that shapes their lives.

Rose was 16. Eric, 18. They met at the lake by the daffodils. The same place that Eric's parents met 20 years earlier. Was it destiny? Perhaps. But what happens after years of misread moments, too many maybes and unspoken thoughts that never go away?

Daffodils is a multi-sensory experience that captures the bittersweet nuances of Rose’s and Eric’s life in a ‘mix tape’ of New Zealand’s greatest hits.

Inspired by private letters, real interviews and family myths heard only at garage piss ups, the production unfolds against a backdrop of 1960s Kodak stills, Super8 home movies and fashion photography created by one of New Zealand's leading image makers, Garth Badger (Lorde, Nike).

"To anyone who ever doubted New Zealand had a culture, a personality: see this show. Astounding. Unmissable." Rosabel Tan, The Pantograph Punch

Live music performed by Lips.

Prepare to have your indie soul rocked.

Daffodils [inspired by true events] from Bullet Heart Club on Vimeo.

COUNTING THE BEAT // Daffodils from Bullet Heart Club on Vimeo.

Little Shop of Horrors

header_logoTour-Makers presented The Little Shop of Horrors in Tauranga, Blenheim, Auckland, Christchurch and New Plymouth in 2015. If you are interested in this show please contact Jumpboard Productions.

The Little Shop of Horrors  opened in May 2015 to excellent critical acclaim. The production significantly ups the danger and excitement of Live Live Cinema by merging the band, Foley and actors into one small ensemble that work together at breakneck pace to create the live soundtrack. Our Audrey is also our pianist, Seymour is on guitar and all other characters are played by our drummer and our bass player. The Foley booth explodes out across the stage with sound effects now being generated by each and every performer. Opening season stars Byron Coll, Barnie Duncan, Laughton Kora and Hayley Sproull.

“The acting is tremendous, the musicality virtuous, the foley production ridiculous.” – Greg Bruce Metro Magazine

LSOH PROMO Herald Theatre from Phil Evans on Vimeo.