This weekend we want to go to . . .
Loft, Q Theatre
Can poetry give us hope? Especially in this day and age where the idea of slowing down for long enough to read or to hear, let alone learn an entire poem, seems like a longforgotten luxury? Portuguese playwright and actor Tiago Rodrigues believes in the power of words, so he travels the world telling stories about famous writers, fictional characters and his own beloved grandmother to show that language and literature can connect us all. But there’s an added twist to this ode: as Rodrigues talks, 10 members of the audience will attempt to learn a poem, by heart, on stage. Part of Auckland Arts Festival. By Heart, Loft at Q Theatre, until Saturday
ASB Waterfront Theatre
And sticking with the Arts Festival — and performances guaranteed to uplift and inspire — there’s a rare chance to see South African theatre in Auckland this weekend thanks to Isango Ensemble. At first glance, the story may not sound like the happiest: main character, Asad, just 8 years old, is forced to flee the ravages of civil war and forced migration, but he’s a resilient and resourceful hero whose story of surviving against the odds is brought to life through pulsing African song and dance. An epic journey, it’s been critically acclaimed around the world as a “full-blooded hymn to hope” and “glorious, vibrant musical theatre that speaks to the biggest concerns of our age”. A Man of Good Hope, ASB Waterfront Theatre, until Monday
Auckland Town Hall
The best way to learn a language isn’t by sitting in a classroom going over and over the same words and phrases; it’s to get out there, speak it and, if you get the chance, sing it. For one night only, some of our finest singers — Annie Crummer, Moana Maniapoto, Maisey Rika, Tami Neilson and Rob Ruha among them — join forces to turn up the volume on Aotearoa’s most beloved waiata. It’s a celebration of te reo Ma¯ ori, song and the aroha of music. To¯ ku Reo Waiata, Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, Saturday
Spark Arena
Fans of heavy metal and studded leather can get their fix when Judas Priest plays Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday. Following the cancellation of Ozzy Osbourne’s scheduled tour, the iconic UK-based band will headline with support from Pennsylvanian hard rockers Halestorm. Judas Priest return down under as part of their sellout world tour promoting last year’s album Firepower — the highest charting record of their prolific 40-year career. Post-grunge/metal quartet Halestorm also arrive back on our shores riding a wave of success that saw them receive a Grammy Award nomination for last year’s single
Uncomfortable from their fourth album Vicious. Judas Priest, Spark Arena, Saturday