MUSIC AND ME
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by Victoria Schmidt Directed by Asalemo Tofete at Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland From 13 Feb 2012 to 18 Feb 2012 BATS, Wellington From 4 Sep 2012 to 15 Sep 2012 Reviewed by: Nick Bakulich; Sharu Delilkan (Theatre Scenes - Auckland Theatre Blog); Uther Dean; Ewen Coleman (The Dominion Post); Lynn Freeman (Capital Times); |
"A family forged, even in the darkest of places."
Music and Me, a riveting new work by Manurewa-based emerging playwright Victoria Schmidt will be having its world premiere at the Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku in February.
Music and Me is raw and poetic, but it is also funny, with fantastic lines and guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings.
The story tells of the harsh realities of four individuals, struggling to survive in a forgotten world of prostitution, mental illness, substance abuse, depression and risking all for a dream that is in the eye of the beholder.
"The play highlights universal themes through deep, heartfelt and outspoken characters," explainsVictoria. "On the whole, this story is about survival, broken hope, and the importance of friendship."
New Zealand-born and of Samoan background, Victoriais an acting graduate of the UNITEC School of Performing Screen Arts. She has been seen in numerous theatre productions, most recently in The Factory by Kila Kokonut Krew in 2011. However, Music and Me is her first, full-length, professionally produced play.
"This show is about creating awareness of every day people, surviving in the only way they know how," she says.
Directed by Asalemo Tofete (Toi Whakaari acting graduate, The Minister's Son, Angels in America Part I: Millenium Approaches, Polyzygotic, The Factory). The production features some ofNew Zealand's best seasoned and upcoming Pacific talent. The cast includes Iaheto Ah Hi (Sione's Wedding, The Market, Matariki, Running With the Bulls,Tautai. Sione's 2: Unfinished Business), Toi Whakaari acting graduate Natano Keni (Privates VS Ninjas, Once Were Samoans), the playwright Victoria Schmidt (Sione's Wedding, Running With The Bulls, Othello Polynesia, Tautai, The Factory) and recent Pacific Institute of Performing Arts graduate and choreographer Amanaki Lelei Prescott-Faletua (Mixed Nuts, Pollyhood in Mumuland, VOGUE).
A resident ofManurewa,Victoriasays it was important to set the play inSouth Auckland, to support the story and to reflect our unique society that is full of colourful characters.
Funded with the support of the Auckland Council Creative New Zealand Communities Scheme, *Music and Me* will be on show at the Mangere Arts Centre from for a five-night season, opening on Tuesday 14 February.
Music and Me by Victoria Schmidt
14- 18 February 2012, 8pm
Tickets: General Admission $20, Concession $15
Venue: Mangere Arts Centre - Nga Tohu o Uenuku,Corner Bader DriveandOrly Avenue, Mangere,Auckland
Phone: 09 262 5789
Email: mangereartscentre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Tickets available from the centre or from www.eventfinder.co.nz
About the Show:
Music and Me follows the lives and friendships of four outcasts living on the same poverty-stricken street - an old man sinking deeper into dementia, a male hustler-addict always looking to make a quick buck, a street poet who finds solace in gracing the public with her passion for rhyme, and a business-minded drag queen who runs the local beauty parlour.
This is a story that reveals how music can soothe a troubled mind and the desperate measures taken to be able to survive in a forgotten world.
Music and Me Wellington season
Tuesday Sept 4th – Saturday Sept 15th, 6.30pm
BATS Theatre<br /> 1 Kent Terrace
Wellington
Bookings call: 8024176 email: book@bats.co.nz
CAST:
Iaheto Ah Hi
Natano Keni
Victoria Schmidt
Amanaki Lelei Prescott-Faletua
Wellington cast:
Iaheto Ah Hi
Asalemo Tofete
Amanaki Prescott-Faletau
Suivai Autagavaia