THE MEASURES TAKEN
Regent Theatre, Greymouth, Greymouth
26/08/2016 - 28/08/2016
Old Lodge Theatre, 11 Revell St, Hokitika, West Coast South Island
03/09/2016 - 03/09/2016
NBS Theatre, Westport, West Coast South Island
10/09/2016 - 10/09/2016
The Old Lodge Hall, Reefton, West Coast South Island
17/09/2016 - 17/09/2016
Production Details
Written by Paul Maunder
Directed by Jason Johnson
A teaching play in the Brechtian manner on the transition economy for the West Coast.
Regent Theatre Greymouth, August 26-28, 7.30pm
Old Lodge Theatre, Hokitika, September 3, 7.30pm
NBS Theatre, Westport, September 10, 7.30pm
The Old Lodge Hall, Reefton, September 17, 7.30pm
CAST:
Rose Blair, Francis Darwen, Heather Fletcher, Mikaere Hanna, Jason Johnson, Paul Maunder, John Phillips, Shona Preston, George Super, Elisa Wells.
CHOIR:
Heather Dawson; Marie Dora Josée Dorion; Paul Hibbs; Ralf Kruger; Susan Langer; Selwyn Leitch; Claire Lhermitte; Paul Meek; Jane Nimmo; Alan Smith; Sonia Smith; Frank Wells; Allan Wilkie; Carolyn Ana Williams.
Technical: Paul Kearns
Theatre ,
Entertaining, thought-provoking and delivering feedback to Council
Review by Karen Grant 25th Aug 2016
In this latest creation from Kiwi/Possum Productions, The Measures Taken, playwright Paul Maunder has chosen a timely topic of provocation considering the current climate of economic downturn on the West Coast.
Under the direction of Jason Johnson, this small theatre group presents a rich and engaging play on a simple stage and with minimal props. The main story is also simple: the newly elected woman mayor has proposed radical changes to the way the West Coast region should function; so radical that the unsettled West Coasters call on her to justify this unexpected mandate for change.
Within this setting, stories of the past are re-told for the mayor’s challengers to acknowledge the strengths and attributes that have served Coasters before. It is reminiscent of how elders would re-tell the past to hand on learnings to following generations. So we are taken through elements of local and national history to the present day situation, and experience this passage of time through re-enactment, through story-telling and through song.
Adding to the emotional depth of the stories told are the multipart harmonies of the Waiata Koha Community Choir – a mix that works well and one I would like to see used again.
The West Coast has long been seen as place of great opportunity for those with vision, ingenuity and patience and The Measures Taken reminds us of this. Do Coasters now need to leave the area to find a living or is there a better way? Is there a way to stay and for the region to prosper? So what do West Coasters do now? Do they batten down the hatches and wait for the downturn to pass or can they brainstorm, debate and collectively decide what they can to do to reinvigorate their community?
After the play the audience is invited to further consider and discuss ideas with the cast and the collective feedback from the audiences at each show will be compiled and presented to Council.
The Measures Taken is showing at the Greymouth Regent Theatre 7:30pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and over the following weeks will tour Hokitika, Westport and Reefton.
If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to leave your fireside and brave the chilly night to see this entertaining and thought-provoking play, then stay a little while longer for a chat and to share your thoughts over a cup of tea.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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