James McKinnon

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James McKinnon is the Programme Director of the Victoria University of Wellington Theatre Programme. Aside from Theatreview, his writing appears in such for a as Theatre Research in Canada, the Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, Canadian Theatre Review, Teaching Learning Inquiry. He has also contributed chapters to recent anthologies on Shakespeare, Chekhov, and the role of theatre in sexual health education.
At VUW he teaches courses in dramaturgy, modern and postmodern drama, and dramatic theory and criticism, and has directed three original devised performances: Shit Show (inspired by Alfred Jarry’s Ubu Roi); Mystery Play, derived from the English liturgical plays; and Brututum Zum Pum!, a neo-futurist cabaret.
Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2011, James worked across Canada as a freelance dramaturg, technician, designer, and director. He has studied and taught at several other renowned theatre training institutions, including the Graduate Centre for the Study of Drama at the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta, McGill University, and the University of Calgary.

James McKinnon's reviews

THE IMPROV SHOW AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Wellington

20/10/2017 - 20/10/2017

"Audience eager to collaborate in the end..
DON'T SEE THIS SHOW ALONE

Wellington

20/10/2017 - 20/10/2017

"Has a lot of potential..
PlayShop LIVE: Autumn Season 2016

Wellington

22/04/2016 - 22/04/2016

"Support and challenge in good balance..
THE PIANIST

Wellington, Kerikeri, Auckland, Nelson, Edinburgh, Scotland, Hamilton, Tauranga

21/10/2013 - 23/04/2015

"Exceptionally skilled performance with an extra helping of panache..

"Bravura Recital..

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10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT US

Wellington

24/02/2015 - 28/02/2015

"“It is one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen anyone do, ever”..
THE SILENT TREATMENT

Wellington

13/06/2014 - 14/06/2014

"High calibre performers..
CANDICE MCQUEEN: NASTY!

Wellington

08/03/2014 - 09/03/2014

"Candice, a grand tour de force..

"Delight for literati and pop culture mavens alike..
BLOODLINES

Wellington

25/02/2014 - 01/03/2014

"Impressive ambition and talent..
RED NOSE REVERIE

Wellington

19/02/2014 - 22/02/2014

"Highly likeable actors but a travesty of clown..
BREAK-UP [We Need to Talk]

Wellington, Auckland, NYC, USA, Global

08/02/2014 - 18/04/2020

"Strangely riveting..

"Sincere, clever, utterly uncontrived journey to raw discomfort..

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IMMACULATE DECEPTION

Wellington

07/02/2014 - 10/02/2014

"Soporific..
NECROPOLIS

Wellington

05/02/2014 - 09/02/2014

"Admirable ambition..
A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN

Wellington

02/12/2013 - 08/12/2013

"A script in search of a dramaturg..
WOLF

Wellington

29/11/2013 - 30/11/2013

"Humanity abandoned..
PANDEMIC

Wellington

02/11/2013 - 16/11/2013

"Unbeatable immersive history lesson..

"Immersive time travel through spaces..
TEECHERS

Wellington

30/04/2013 - 04/05/2013

"Engaging energy and dynamism..
TAKE BACK THE HOOD

Wellington, Palmerston North, Dunedin, Auckland

06/03/2013 - 23/02/2015

"Back to the Hood..

"Funny and brave..

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BUDDYPALFRIEND

Wellington

02/03/2013 - 05/03/2013

"Awkwardly stuck..
RUNNING WITH GHOSTS

Wellington

27/02/2013 - 02/03/2013

"Sincerity, curiosity and ingenuity drive theatrical experiment..
WHAT THE, SHEEP?

Wellington

22/02/2013 - 23/02/2013

"Inflation confuses and distorts..
FOR YOUR FUTURE GUIDANCE

NYC, USA, Wellington, Hamilton, Auckland, Dunedin

20/02/2013 - 22/03/2015

"Remarkably refreshing..

"Deadpan humour and understated irony..

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WE BUILT THIS CITY…

Wellington

18/02/2013 - 23/02/2013

"Skilled charmers’ slapdash show..