In this solo show, actor Anna Barden-Shaw shares her own experience in MIQ, taking the audience along on the journey she shared with her husband for two weeks in March-April, 2021.

MIQ – Managed Isolation Quarantine – was experienced differently by people in different parts of the country over the Covid period. Personally, for me MIQ was a stark reminder of what life in a totalitarian state must be like.

However, for Barden-Shaw it seems to be nothing more than a mildly irritating experience. She and her husband find themselves in Rotorua in a hotel overlooking the lake. Not bad. Granted they don’t have a balcony like some others, but the food is “tasty”, the TV works and they even have their own coffee machine. They are also allowed out for two hours a day or at night to exercise. Here they can talk to others, while keeping the required two metres apart.

Playing her guitar and singing, Barden-Shaw reflects on the frustrations and sadness of MIQ – not being able to be there for loved ones who are sick or dying. In these still moments Barden-Shaw effectively reminds us of the human tragedy of the Covid epidemic.

Performed in a small theatre, the audience enjoys Barden-Shaw’s naturalistic acting style. However there are times, especially when wearing the compulsory face mask, that a lack of vocal clarity and projection make it challenging to understand her.

For the most part, though, her lively personality and natural wit keep the show going. But it is difficult to disguise the fact that in MIQ every day is pretty much the same, and so, like Barden-Shaw and her husband, we are all somewhat relieved when they can finally leave MIQ, and we can all go home.

This is a brave performance from a confident actor.

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