Keeping arts talent

Good points are well made in the editorial Look at boost for arts (January 18) and articles Much Ado as capital joins race for replica Globe (January 18) and Culture capital status at risk over costs (January 16).

With particular reference to theatre, the crucial component is people.

What will it take to keep top talent in Wellington and make live theatre a drawcard there?

Both Circa and BATS theatres operate on a co-op basis. BATS seasons are too short to offer a fair return on the work invested. Circa’s longer seasons may or may not pay well. Neither offers secure incomes for practitioners.

People migrate to Auckland because that’s where the ongoing television opportunities are, and where almost all TV commercials are produced.

Wellington does retain an impressive range of talent, many making ‘no budget’ films and webseries as a means of developing their craft. But there comes a time when practitioners want to be properly paid.

Until Wellington can recover, retain and sustain its share of fully professional work, Auckland will remain more attractive.

As for the largely vacant Hannah Playhouse, I believe it should be the go-to place for new and classical New Zealand theatre.

Adding that and the proposed replica Globe to the capital menu would go a long way towards making Wellington an attractive live-theatre destination.

JOHN SMYTHE Mt Victoria [abridged]