State of the Arts
Island life
The Massive Nui Ensemble’s new show The Island will premiere at the Mangere Arts Centre from from June 28 to July 1 before heading to Scotland. The National Theatre of Scotland, who made a splash in the Auckland Arts Festival this year with The James Plays, invited Massive to create a new work to show at their vibrant Exchange Festival in Stirling from July 3-10. ‘‘We believe [Massive] company to be pioneers and exemplars in creating theatre with young people to a very high artistic standard that has real integrity,’’ says Simon Sharkey, associate director for National Theatre of Scotland. ‘‘It’s also an ambition of ours to connect young people across the globe so that they widen their horizons to becoming open, creative, collaborative responsible global citizens.’’
Escape to Tauranga
Tauranga is talking its head off this weekend with the return of the books and ideas-focused Escape! festival. Today at 10am Steve Braunias talks to Judge Paul Mabey QC about courtroom trials, followed by novelist Greg McGee, anthropologist Dame Anne Salmond, microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles and a sixstrong panel who will each tell a true story (McGee, Wiles, novelist Nicky Pellegrino, author-illustrator Donovan Bixley, film buff Geoff Lealand and rongoa Maori medicine expert Rob McGowan). Tomorrow, Braunias tutors a travel-writing workshop and there’s an Italian-themed morning tea with Pellegrino. All events take place at Baycourt Theatre in the central city where visitors can also check out The Human Library and Story-telling on The Front Lawn (today only, both free). See www.taurangafestival.co.nz Tickets from Baycourt.
Mockingbird kills it
Auckland Theatre Company’s (ATC) recent production of Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of the To Kill a Mockingbird is now the most successful drama in the company’s history, having brought to an end the 18-year reign of another American courtroom drama, 12 Angry Men, produced in 1998 and directed by Simon Prast. The show starred Prast in the role of Atticus Finch and theatre legend Ian Mune in the role of Judge Cunningham. ATC artistic director and Mockingbird director Colin McColl says: ‘‘We are delighted that in 2016 in New Zealand, audiences connected with the timeless story once again.’’
That’s a rap
American rapper A$AP Ferg returns to New Zealand for one headline date at Auckland’s Powerstation on September 22, following the release of his sophomore album Always Strive and Prosper. Linking up with everyone from Missy Elliot to Skrillex, Ferg delves deep into his personal history to paint a vivid and uncompromising self-portrait, offering introspection and entertainment in equal measure. ‘‘This album is by far the best work I’ve created and showcases my versatility and taste in the music that I love,’’ says Ferg. ‘‘The mission for this album is for my fans to get a deeper look into my life; to know my origin, my family and the obstacles I’ve faced while growing up.’’