White Elephant
27 -30 November 2014
A world of big men in big suits sitting on big thrones. Who are these behemoths, and how do they dominate so successfully the faceless figures that serve them? White Elephant collides 3 dancers and 3 actors in a ‘bastardised’ commedia/ clown/ mask performance. 3 bloated oligarchs enter a new world and set about making it their own. A chorus of masked Zanni (the servants) attend to and perform for them. The use of art by the Zanni to communicate injustice prompts an examination of the relationship between art and power. The show investigates the fears and fascinations of the wealthy elite, and by proxy the middle class that keeps them in power. Presented by Barbarian Productions
The Underarm
28 - 31 October 2014
This is the story of two brothers ripped apart by the most infamous act in trans-Tasman sport, what Rob Muldoon described as “An act of cowardice appropriate to a team that wears a yellow uniform”. As adults, the brothers are reunited at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. What results is a tumultuous ride through sport, politics and the ugly side of broken families. And of course, the perennial sledging match that is Aussie-Kiwi relations. Presented by Silly Mid On Productions.
Status of Being
24 – 25 October 2014
The Status of Being offers 3 possibilities as an overview of our world, empowering the audience to choose between them. A challenging new full length work from Footnote Dance; The Status of Being, by Berlin-based New Zealand choreographer Alexa Wilson creates 3 possibilities for our world in a dance piece presented in 3 shorter versions. In an effort to question our overall evolution, the pieces are each created to represent the state of our world based upon important events in history, the world today and possibilities for the future. The audience is directed to choose from the three performances which they think is past, present or future, as well as their favourite. Through confrontation and humour, attention is focused on the power of choice within ourselves over to how we respond to the world, and empowering a sense of responsibility for ourselves and our planet. After all, how much choice do we really have in our choices? Presented by Footnote Dance Company
“Striking, confronting, profound, and delightful” - Theatreview
Politics @ The Playhouse: ‘The Old Guard’ with Jim Bolger and Jim Anderton
17 September 2014
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger and former Alliance leader and Cabinet Minister Jim Anderton have a conversation with Dave Armstrong at the Hannah Playhouse. These former foes discuss the current political climate as well as how politics has changed over the years. Does NZ politics have a seamier side? Has Parliament become more ‘brutalising’ in recent times or has it always been this way?
Politics @ The Playhouse: ‘Dirty Politics’ with Nicky Hager
10 September 2014
Nicky Hagar, controversial author of ‘Dirty Politics’ discusses with David Armstrong the upcoming 2014 election, the process of writing his book, the response to ‘Dirty Politics’, and issues of media ownership and regulation. Presented by Dave Armstrong
An Awfully Big Adventure
July 26 – August 2 2014
Through song and play this highly theatrical work will explore the story of two young men and their war…to end all wars. One, a keen enlister in the mounted rifles off on his big OE, one a conscientious objector, shipped to Europe for further punishment for non compliance; who then meet at the Front on Flanders Fields. Along the way we visit Gallipoli, encountering NZ Commander William Malone, and travel to the Western Front during the final stages of the war.
An Awfully Big Adventure’s national tour is timed to coincide with the hundred year anniversary since the outbreak of World War 1, and offers an ideal way to engage with history. The work explores the complexity of the times, the conduct of the war, the heroes and its impact on New Zealanders, in an accessible way for students aged 8 and up. Presented by Capital E, National Theatre for Children
“…moving and poignant, but hilarious as well. I learned more about WW1 in that hour than I ever did at school or university! It really was outstanding – so impressed.” - Public Programmes Manager, Rotorua Museum
Grandad’s Lucky Storm
5 – 19 July 2014
As the windows rattle and winds howl, Grandad waits out the storm with his grandchild. A spur of the moment babysitting job turns into a tale of adventure, piracy and family, as Grandad shares the secrets of his life. Out of the gloom of Grandad’s home, cluttered with motorbike parts and makeshift furniture, his story appears before your eyes as if by magic - adventures twist and turn as mysteries bring even the most far away places right to the door. Presented by Capital E, National Theatre for Children
“Entrancing and intriguing for the younger ones, who will intuitively recognise true experiences they rarely see replicated in theatre, it also leaves older observers with plenty to think about in terms of how a lot of lives are lived and where our humanity lies” - Theatreview
Now
29 – 30 May, 2014
Brand new for 2014, Footnote New Zealand Dance’s first NOW season presents brilliant new original work from choreographers Olivia Bieringa and Otto Ramstand, Craig Bary, and Lyne Pringle. Same time; same place: Right NOW.
Low – by Olive Bieringa and Otto Ramstand, is the story of the body’s experience - a visceral ride: a fully engaging physicality beginning in our organs and bones. Low is how we meet the world.
Lyne Pringle’s Thin Air is where tings vanish, where magic is conjured, where thoughts arise; the precarious global layer that keeps us alive.
Depends on you – by Craig Barry, is a modified exerpt from Footnote’s 2014 sell-out season of Straight Laced. Depends on You is a small glimpse into one world of sex and sexuality.
Eglantyne
22 – 24 May 2014
EGLANTYNE is a new one woman play exploring the extraordinary life of Eglantyne Jebb, a courageous, charming, passionate humanitarian; human rights activist, radical fundraiser, social reformer and co-founder of Save the Children. From her idyllic Shropshire childhood, Eglantyne went on to Oxford University, social work in Cambridge, heartbreaks, suffrage rallies, spiritualism, the Balkans, arrest in Trafalgar Square, saving starving children and pioneering children’s rights. Presented by Ms Chamberlain.
“Studied and heartfelt portrayal… engaging, informative and very entertaining” – Ewen Coleman, The Dominion Post
PK Futurenaughts
18 May 2014
Our very own Futurenauts will delight Wellington PechaKushistas with their narrative designed to help us navigate our future(s). This special PKN session is presented in collaboration with the Royal Society of New Zealand Wellington Branch, and the Wellington Early to Mid Career Research Group.
The Best of Edinburgh Fringe - James Acaster and Stuart Goldsmith
6 – 10 May 2014
Two Heads are Better Than One. James Acaster and Stuart Goldsmith feature as the ‘Best of British’ double at the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival. They are joining forces to provide the Hannah Playhouse in Wellington with a unique programme of world class live comedy. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider.
“By the end of the hour, Acaster has totally sucked you into his minute, quizzical world and it’s a wonderful world to visit.” – Time OUT UK
“Goldsmith is a supremely talented stand-up, with a wonderfully funny view of the world… effortless charm.” – Time OUT UK
The Best of Edinburgh Fringe – Chris Martin and Carl Donnelly
13 – 16 May 2014
An International Double Feature. With a firm following established, Chris Martin returns to Wellington due to popular demand; with Carl Donnelly to perform at the Hannah Playhouse. Both comedians have teamed up in the past to create ‘Carl Donnelly and Chris Martin Comedy Podcast', voted by The Guardian UK as one of the Top 10 Comedy podcasts in 2013. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider.
“He's a remarkable talent – a relaxed, easygoing anecdotalist with an eye for funny details. An hour in his company is a true delight.” - TimeOUT UK
Class Comedians
17 May 2014
Start 'em young, we say! This year's line-up of talented high school students have made it through their intensive comedy training and are amped to unleash their stand-up skills on an audience. Every year the quality of the comedy from these performers blows our mind. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider
Stand-up for Kids
17 May 2014
The power of laughter is strong… especially within our kids. Bring your little heroes to this action-packed live comedy show and let them unleash their mighty giggles in this fun-filled event. Stand-Up For Kids is a family-friendly, interactive show featuring awesome Festival comedians bringing their stand-up, physical comedy and fun times to the stage for your 4-8 year olds to get a bit silly. With our powers combined, this is set to be a riotous event reminding us adults that laughter rules the Universe. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider
Reginald D Hunter – The New Zealand Debut
7 – 10 May 2014
International comic heavyweight to hit NZ for the first time. Following sell out tours of the UK and critically acclaimed performances around the world, Reginald D Hunter – one of the UK’s most popular stand up comedians is proud to make his debut at the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival. Reginald D Hunter has become one of the most well known and most distinctive performers in the UK’s comedy industry. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider.
“Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank so stand-up comedians working today… a comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating…this is comedy of a rare scope.” - The Times
Paul Ego: Amazingballs
29 April – 3 May 2014
He has been the winner of not only the Billy T Award and the NZ Comedy Guild Award for ‘best TV performance’ (for 7 days), but also “Entertainer of the Year” for his role as the Evil Wizard in his 7th Form production of ‘Aladdin’. Those achievements alone make Paul Ego tote Amazingballs!. LOL at least 25% longer with the dope Ego live on stage and, OMG, in da’ flesh! (Translation: Laugh overly long up to 25% more than you normally would with the cool Paul Ego live on stage and, oh my goodness, in person!). Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider
“Paul Ego has enormous charm and a terrific rapport with his audience” – NZ Herald
The Big Show
29 April – 3 May 2014
Since 2005, The Big Show has become one of the most popular shows in the annual festival and at the 2014 NZ International Comedy festival it is promising a line-up of 5 world class comedians each night in a 2 hour show. In the 2014 line-up will be headed by John Robins (England); John Gordillo (England); Michael Legge (Ireland); Sara Pascoe (England); and Tim Fitzhigham (England). Grab some mates and join us for a great night of laughs. Presented by The NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider
Mr McGee and the Biting Flea
19 April – 3 May 2014
Pamela Allen’s children’s books have delighted generations of readers, and now her tales are brought to life in the New Zealand premiere of this theatrically acclaimed production. As huge packing cases are opened, new worlds emerge, filled with quirky characters and stories. Using an assortment of props and found objects, the three performers bring the tales to sweet, music-infused life. This wonderful production features adaptations of Pamela Allen’s stories ‘Mr McGee’, ‘Alexander’s Outing’, ‘Belinda’, ‘Brown Bread and Honey’, ‘Mary Elizabeth’s House’ and ‘Mr McGee and the Biting Flea’. Prepare to be mesmerised and enchanted. Presented by Capital E, National Theatre for Children
"Capital E's first show in its new home is a winner and definitely for all ages. Mr McGee & the Biting Flea takes five short stories by Pamela Allen and turns them into highly entertaining, expertly performed, amusingly choreographed, musical adventures." - The Dominion Post