Fresh Ink at the Court Theatre
This month The Court Theatre is debuting three brand new Kiwi plays.
The plays, all in various draft stages, will be performed over three consecutive Sundays in May. This is theatre without any of the bells and whistles of a usual Court production – no set, no props; just the audience, the actors and some very fresh words.
The audiences’ reactions and feedback to the raw performances will help the writers grow their stories.
Literary Manager Roanna Dalziel believes Fresh Ink is crucial to The Court Theatre and its audiences. ‘‘One of the key missions for The Court is about celebrating and questioning New Zealand voices. It’s fundamental that we get New Zealand plays up on our mainstage or in The Forge so we’re reflecting on New Zealand perspectives.’’
Notable previous Fresh Ink readings include That Bloody Woman and MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), both of which went on to have full seasons at The Court followed by nationwide tours. Astroman, a reading in last year’s series, is on course to make the same transition, running for a two-week season on The Court’s mainstage later this year. The Kiwi comedy, set in a time where the best social spot for teens was the local arcade store, opens at The Court on the 27th October.
The first play of the series, performed on the 13th May, is Siana, written by well-known Kiwi writer and actress Alison Quigan. The story follows Cassie as she swaps a job in photography for local council work. The move forces her to face not only bureaucratic hurdles but her exhusband and the haunting memories of her beautiful dancing daughter, Siana.
Following Siana on the 20th May is Karen Zelas’ The Falling. The Falling relates to the trials of Minnie Dean, the first and only woman hanged in New Zealand. Beyond exploring the story of Minnie Dean, The Falling follows modern-day doctoral student Clemency Xavier as she maps out Minnie’s case.
The final play in the series, written by Joe Musaphia, is a little more light-hearted. Former Shortland Street baddie Mike Edward will be taking on the role of The Sexiest Man in the World. The comedy begins when hunk Chip Stone (Edward) returns home from LA looking to make amends with brother, Brian, a struggling playwright. Chip’s arrival wreaks havoc – to comedic effect.
At its heart, Fresh Ink is all about embracing and encouraging Kiwi playwrights. Audience members get to see fresh, New Zealand theatre performed in a way that won’t be seen again and, hopefully, will be moved by what they see. To laughter or tears – or maybe even both. All tickets are $10. See courttheatre.org.nz for tickets and details.
Sunday 13th May at 4pm