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THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Selwyn Theatre, Kohimarama
reviewed by Matt Baker 20 May 2013
A precious piece
The Glass Menagerie is a magical play. From the opening Brechtian monologue, to the blatant symbolism and dialogue surrounding the titular menagerie, playwright Tennessee Williams does not shy away from using a light theatrical shroud to expose truths. It would be easy to rely on these conventions and consequentially not find the true weight in his writing, but Auckland Theatre Company’s production of The Glass Menagerie is a beautiful blend. [more]

GRAVITY HOTEL at The Basement
reviewed by Matt Baker 30 May 2013
Mass Appeal
The less said about Gravity Hotel, the better. I say this, not in regards to the incredibly high quality of the work, but of its journey, as it is one that simply must be experienced as opposed to explained. Very rarely does an audience remain seated post show in huddled discussion about the events they’ve just witnessed, but such was the case on the opening night of this unparalleled production. [more]

TITUS at Q Theatre Loft, 305 Queen St
reviewed by Matt Baker (TheatreScenes - the Auckland Theatre Blog) 30 May 2013
We’re all going to hell
Presented as the telling of the Titus myth through the perspective of a pack of post-apocalyptic lost boys, director Ben Henson has once again created a visual feast of a production. Titus Andronicus is one of Shakespeare’s most highly criticised works, written by a young playwright in an attempt to keep up with the bloody writings of his contemporaries, but with time, a suitable setting, a comradely cast, and a highly stylised director, the play can achieve a value that both confronts and combats its criticisms. This is mainly due to the fact that it could not be accepted in the ‘civilised’ Victorian age, whereas on opening night of Fractious Tash’s production, some of the audience laughed as Lavinia was brought in post assault. [more]

F*CK LOVE: A PLAY at The Basement Studio, Lower Greys Ave
reviewed by Matt Baker (TheatreScenes - the Auckland Theatre Blog) 12 Jun 2013
F*ck yeah
Written and directed by Sarah Graham, F*ck Love revolves around the lives of three twenty-something women in Auckland, each succumbing to and working their way through the effects of love. [more]

THE CASE OF KATHERINE MANSFIELD at Mr Falcon's, 92 Glebe Point Rd
reviewed by Kirsty McGuire 15 Sep 2012
Creating Herstory
Despite the fact that I never once felt like I was being taught anything, I walked away from the play knowing significantly more about this remarkable woman. The Case of Katherine Mansfield is a simply wonderful piece of theatre – the kind that makes you believe in theatre. [more]

THE BARTERED BRIDE at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
reviewed by Tarryne Webb 23 Sep 2012
A great production with a stunning cast
If you’re new to opera, Smetana’s The Bartered Bride is a great first timer’s show. A light comedy sung in English, the story contains all of the well established favourite operatic themes of hidden identities, forbidden love and a meddling bass. [more]

HOLLOW CROSSING at Keirunga Homestead Theatre, Keirunga Gardens, Puflett Rd
reviewed by Terri Crawford & David Bishop 24 Sep 2012
A play of consequence
As regular theatre goers we enjoy many styles of live performance. Saturday 24th September was our first time exposure to the compact theatre at Keirunga Gardens and our second taste of ‘suspense’-driven cinematic theatre performance. [more]

GO SOLO 2012 at Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
reviewed by John Smythe (Group A) 4 Oct 2012
GROUP A
What are you passionate about? What are your questions about creating theatre? What kinds of stories and storytelling do you want to see on stage? Director Sophie Roberts’ programme note reveals it was such questions that provoked the devising process for this year’s 18 Go Solo pieces from the Third Year Acting Students of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. [more]

GO SOLO 2012 at Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
reviewed by John Smythe (Group B) 4 Oct 2012
GROUP B
Dualities, be they warring factions or contrapuntal value systems, characterise this grouping. I sense these four pieces – and much of the whole season – could be driven by a deep-felt ‘where to from here?’ concern. Emerging from tertiary education throws an especially strong light on the ‘who am I and what do I stand for?’ question, after all. [more]

GO SOLO 2012 at Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
reviewed by John Smythe (Group C) 5 Oct 2012
GROUP C
I scribbled “the loneliness of the long distance science nerd” while watching this. That about sums it up. Strong on pathos. [more]
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