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Photo: Neil Mackenzie
RIGOLETTO at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
reviewed by Penny Dodd 8 Jun 2012
Surprises amid complexities in inventive production
This is a Rigoletto to remember, for the lavish setting and moody scene changes, the powerful music beautifully sung and played, and the modern twist that gives a vital sense of relevance to the narrative, but mostly because all these elements combine so that none overshadows the other. You are given a thoroughly integrated piece of fabulous story telling. [more]

Photo: Neil Mackenzie
RIGOLETTO at St James Theatre
reviewed by John Button (The Dominion Post) 21 May 2012
Vocally superb, riveting theatre
Like the splendid 2004 production, this production had a modern setting, but one focussed on a mafia style hierarchy living in decadent opulence and supported by all parts of society ( witness the prominent cardinal amongst the fawning courtiers), and tinged with a really sinister air. [more]

Photo: Neil Mackenzie
RIGOLETTO at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
reviewed by William Dart (New Zealand Herald) 9 Jun 2012
Rigoletto takes a bold step into today’s world
Once again, NBR New Zealand Opera offers a theatrical experience on a scale unlikely to be found elsewhere in our city. [more]

Photo: Neil Mackenzie
RIGOLETTO at St James Theatre
reviewed by Sharon Talbot 21 May 2012
Full of powerful drama, glamorous spectacle, wonderful singing and highly evocative music
Let's be upfront here: Rigoletto is a nasty story – a nasty story set to great music. It is Verdi's music that transforms from scummy to tragic the age-old story of a glamorous playboy who takes women he fancies, willing or not, and gets away with it because of his wealth and position. [more]

RIKI KIWI at Drama Christi Studio
reviewed by Ewen Coleman (The Dominion Post) 24 Apr 2006
Actors fly away with the show
Abbott’s simple but very New Zealand story is effectively told, the many original songs - the music and lyrics of which are also penned by Abbot and skilful played by Ryan Lee - adding much to the shows charm. But it’s the considerable skills of the actors who really bring the show to life; not only through their very animated and energised acting and singing but also through the way they successful interact with the audience. [more]

Photo: Sharen Bradford
Tempo Festival of Dance 10
RISE at Aotea Centre at THE EDGE®
reviewed by Shanon O'Sullivan 30 Sep 2010
Unsurpassable expertise
Dwight Roden and Desmond Richardson’s New York based Complexions Contemporary Ballet Companygreet us with pizzazz and the aplomb of an all star cast. As their second guest appearance to New Zealand in recent years, Complexions latest spectacular extravaganza undeniably lives up to the show’s title. [more]

STAB-BATS 2011
RISE - JAVA DANCE COMPANY at BATS
reviewed by John Smythe 23 Oct 2011
An exhilarating celebration of flour power
It’s wonderful to see performers at Bats making real dough for a change. Literally. Once you combine flour, water and golden syrup you can make all sorts of things from it – and that’s pretty much the case with Rise. Choose your own metaphor. [more]

STAB-BATS 2011
RISE - JAVA DANCE COMPANY at BATS
reviewed by Deirdre Tarrant (Capital Times) 2 Nov 2011
Connecting all the senses
Forced gasping from hanging bodies and a stream of flour floating, falling, cascading from the ceiling involve us as five dancers start their journey and response to making bread. Quotes from authors and religious sources set the space for the ritual that is humanity providing for life. [more]

STAB-BATS 2011
RISE - JAVA DANCE COMPANY at BATS
reviewed by Lyne Pringle 28 Oct 2011
Flour, treacle water -- a finely negotiated balance
Covered in flour and dough trembling with exhaustion these performers launch out into new and unknown vistas artistically. This is exciting and bodes well for future explorations by Java – no turning back seize this new direction. [more]

RITA AND DOUGLAS at Concert Chamber - Town Hall, THE EDGE
reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton 24 Nov 2011
Artist’s liaisons make for evocative viewing
It is difficult to imagine a better way to appreciate the art of Rita Angus and Douglas Lilburn than this celebratory tribute in which a sharp dramatisation of their quarrelsome relationship is counterpoised with Michael Houstoun's exquisite renditions of Lilburn's piano works while a luminous display of Angus' paintings appears as an enormous projection. [more]
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