Theatre Talk

Leave a comment Posted on by Chloe Play Reviews

Theatre: Trees Beneath the Lake

trees

Trees Beneath the Lake
Auckland Theatre Company
With Michael Hurst, Catherine Wilkin, Theresa Healey, Brooke Williams, Peter Hayden, Leighton Stichbury
Directed by Simon Bennett

Hi guys! Chloe here.

I want to tell you all about this fantastic and amazing play that’s on at the moment called Trees Beneath the Lake. I saw it last night with my sister and couldn’t wait to write a review, even though I wasn’t intending to. And now I realise that since I’m writing it on Jawkward I have to make it sound coherent and less erhmagerd… so here we go.

Trees follows an ex-Wall Street guy called William Campbell, who returns to his childhood home of central Otago to kinda hide out a little bit when he starts to get investigated by authorities under suspicion of fraud. Here, with his wife Jen and son Ross, his mother Nieve, lawyer Ruth, and old family friend Tom, William tries to regroup and fight for his reputation and future, but just as we know from movies such as Death at a Funeral and August Osage County, when you get family back together like that, there are skeletons that come out of closets you never knew had been built. If you’re familiar with the story of Allan Hubbard or Bernie Maddoff at all then that kinda sums Campbell up nicely.

The play was written by Arthur Meek, who wrote the very well received play On the Upside Down of the World. He wrote Trees while living in New York, courtesy of the Harriet Friedlander New York Residency which he received in 2012.

The thing I like about Trees is that it doesn’t tell a “typical” story but instead tells the story of how this fraud investigation affects his family - his wife, his mother, his son - and how it all falls apart around him. Something a little bit different, and it works. And, this play is FUNNY. It’s almost black humour with the snide observations and one-liners, but not quite. I laughed more than I was expecting to, let’s put it that way, even when I knew I ought to have been horrified by the scene.

And what really propels the play from good to great is the acting. Michael Hurst et al are solid, delivering lines and attitude that perfectly match the pace of the script.

Basically, it was so good, you guys. It’s quite possibly the best play I’ve seen by ATC so far. It is on now at the Maidment Theatre until September 27.

1 Comment Posted on by Mata Play Reviews, Theatre Talk

The Tautai of Digital Winds - Review

The Tautai of Digital Winds

What does it mean to feel incomplete? In the search for identity, cultural or otherwise, do we look forward or back?

The Tautai of Digital Winds provides a unique blend of Polynesian mythology and storytelling, contemporary experiences, art, dance and music to weave a vibrant production that spans generations and cultures. The cast of new and seasoned actors breathe life into characters attempting to navigate their way through an increasingly digital world.

The production hinges on two main narratives that bleed into each other. 16 year old Maui Inati, a kinetic (because he’s always on the move), free-spirited but troubled boy played with the perfect amount of teenaged arrogance by Aisea Latu and the story of Celeste, quiet, poetic whose diary entries detail a story of teenaged angst and heartbreak that ends rather surprisingly- intensely portrayed by Jennifer Perez.

The live band is great, stand-out scene: when Celeste is having an intense journaling session dripping with teenaged angst as the band plays an emotional track while interpretive dancers use movements to depict Celeste’s turmoil. The play ends on a rather ambiguous note, taking us back to the initial monologue right after Celeste’s scene that somewhat mirrors Tavita’s (Maui’s brother) except the scene ends before we can find out if Celeste does what Tavita did. The fragmented way in which the story is told allows the show to mess around with time and take us anywhere, a bit like a TV show.

The use of video from the Bollywood fantasy- real talk I had a math teacher just like Mr Sadhavas- to Isumus (lol y’all know isumu means mouse in Samoan, right? RIGHT? More on this Jklol Thoughts below) the hacker’s vlog- was on point. There’s an abundant referencing and use of technology, digital winds indeed.

Ultimately I did feel the play was a tad long, with a few somewhat dragged out scenes, at over two hours and no intermission it could seem a bit much. However the play hits all the emotional notes with the right amount of humour. The poignancy is not undercut, however, just alleviated.

There’s a chance for it to become a little preachy, running the risk of coming off as an after-school-special but there’s a enough gritty realism to stop this thought short. The Tautai of Digital Winds takes the audience on a journey through cultural disconnection and offers contemporary views on the navigation toward identity while giving a hat-tip to traditional mythology.

Written and Directed by Iaheto Ah Hi and co-directed by Leilani Clarke.

WHEN: August 5th to August 16th 7pm-9.15pm
WHERE: Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Corner Orly Avenue & Bader Drive
Mangere Town Centre
Mangere

VERY NICE, HOW MUCH: Adults: $20.00, (6-18 years): $10.00

BOOK NOW: Eventfinda

 

JawkwardLOL Thoughts during the show, in no particular order:

- Tokelauan and Samoan are really, really, similar. I mean I thought so before but I pretty much understood what they were saying in Toke. ALSO yo that feke (octopus) story whose story is it? Because there’s a Samoan myth that’s basically identical, we even have a song! Which I kept singing in my head.

Si fe’ē, tago ia i lou ulu
Po’o a ea, na mea o iai
A o si fe’e, ua tilotilo mai
Ua le malie lona loto
I le mea ua fai

English translation:

Poor Octopus, touch your head.
What is that on it
But the poor octopus was looking over
Not at all happy
With what was done

- Where can I get me one of those vests?

- I’m pretty sure that’s a funeral song. IT IS! Manaia manaia le lagiiii- don’t sing along to the funeral song you vale. But why’d the kids sing a funeral song for White Sunday-OH. Interesting. This play is in support of suicide prevention and support. There’s a disconnect between the song and White Sunday, while disconcerting, serves to make you stop and think- wait that’s not right… or am I reading too much into this?

- The lady behind me keeps talking, lol should I find her a mic?

- Yaaasss leg stretch.

- I can dance like that…no you can’t- okay I can’t.

- Jess should have come, that bollywood fantasy would have been right up her alley. Lol is that the Mangere Bridge?

- It was a good thing Luisa came so I can bombard her with questions about organisations mentioned.

- Straight up, what kind of gang leader nickname is Petalz. Also I would so watch a TV show about their gang. Can we get that funded because I need more of Blinky. BLINKY’S MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER.

- Are you loyal, tho’?

Leave a comment Posted on by Mata Comedy, News

Trevor Noah To Tour NZ In October!

NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2014


“Hilarious. All the LOLs.”
- JawkwardLOL

If you all wanna know (‘where does this lightning come from’ - you’d get that if you’ve seen his stand-up Crazy Normal you’ll find the clip at the end of this post, because I’m nice and it’s too funny not to show you) when Trevor Noah was coming back, well he’s returning to New Zealand for a national tour in October, after his Auckland-only shows in 2013 completely sold out!

The South African comedian, who’s achieved international acclaim, was born a mixed-race child under Apartheid in South Africa to a Swiss father and South African (Xhosa) mother Noah and challenges the status quo through his unique perspective. Offering commentary on politics, race-relations and anything that takes his fancy, and tickles our funnybone, Noah is a delight to watch. That is he can walk that fine line between black and white like nobody’s business, breaking down cultural flaws on all sides and finding our mutual connections through laughter and his eloquent storytelling.
Over the last two years Trevor has had an unparalleled run of sold out shows across the world including his one man show at the Edinburgh Fringe (presented by Eddie Izzard), an unprecedented South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa tour, a 30-performance theatre run in Australia and New Zealand, 8 weeks of shows in New York City and finally, a UK and European theatre tour which included selling out the Hammersmith Apollo in London.
Elephant Publicity & Adrian Bohm
TICKETS GO ON SALE WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 9am
AUCKLAND ASB THEATRE FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER
Book at Ticketmaster 0800 111 999
www.ticketmaster.co.nz

FOR THE FIRST TIME!
WELLINGTON OPERA HOUSE SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Book at 0800Ticketek
www.ticketek.co.nz

FOR THE FIRST TIME!
CHRISTCHURCH AURORA CENTRE MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER
Book at 0800Ticketek
www.ticketek.co.nz
Leave a comment Posted on by Mata Theatre Talk

The Tautai of Digital Winds - JawkwardLOL Theatre Spotlight

The Tautai of Digital WindsWritten and Directed by Iaheto Ah Hi and co-directed by Leilani Clarke, THE TAUTAI OF DIGITAL WINDS is a Kinetic Wayfinding Theatre Production you don’t want to miss.
Funny, emotional and inspiring, The Tautai Of Digital Winds is a poignant urban story that gives voice to the issues of cultural alienation in support of suicide awareness and prevention. Expect a look at cultural disconnection and a search for identity in this merger of two plays written by Iaheto Ah Hi. The production promises an insight into the growing influence of social media and technology in the day to day lives of urban Pacific teens growing up in Niu Sila… and potentially some LOLs.
With a large cast of both seasoned and new, The Tautai Of Digital Winds is sure to be electrifying, fresh, vibrant and innovative, with unforgettable characters shared through the fuse of both hip hop theatre and multimedia performance art.
Sounds like our kind of production.
WHEN: August 5th to August 16th 7pm-9.15pm
WHERE: Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Corner Orly Avenue & Bader Drive
Mangere Town Centre
Mangere

VERY NICE, HOW MUCH: Adults: $20.00, (6-18 years): $10.00

BOOK NOW: Eventfinda

MORE INFO HERE: The Tautai of Digital Winds Story

 

 

Leave a comment Posted on by Motu Comedy Fest

NZ Comedy Festival - The 5pm Project

Last night I was sitting in the second row of the Rangatira at Q, waiting to laugh myself to tears. I, however did not. But not in a bad way! (I shouldn’t have begun this review that way. The show was a chill- instead of clutching your stomach in laughter, you chuckled quietly amongst each other at the remarks made on the stage.

Rose Matafeo, the host for the night, kicked off the show with good energy. Her engagement with the audience, or rather the two REALLY loud old people in the back and Isaac (an 8 year old who seemed completely infatuated with her) was entertaining to say the least. The slightly awkward, kinda creepy, and quirky Rose kept the crowd laughing with light, often self-deprecating humor, whilst prepping everyone for the next act.

Rhys Matthewson was first up, he had a lot of opinions on “important” things- which more or less had me laughing- albeit not in complete agreement with him. Matt Stellingwerf followed, bringing with him a laid back type of style with well-timed jokes and pop-culture references mixed with self-deprecation that seemed to go over well with the audience.

Steven Boyce came on next, his intro kind of dragged on- Hey Boyce, hey hey hey hello hi hey hi hi hi hi hello hey. It wasted about half of his stage time even if he managed to pull a few laughs. However he also offended every brown person within hearing distance. Like bro, that’s actually rude. And not a Ha-Ha rude, just a RUDE.

Joseph Moore was actually a bit of a delight, he made some rather apt observations about hip-hop lyrics and some improvements on New Zealand music. I do believe this NZ Music Month- NZ artists should take Moore’s advice in order to spice up their tracks. Also, I have a new appreciation for NZ reality TV shows about coast-line cops and fishing restrictions.

The closing act, Guy Williams, strutted onto the stage with a “What up, Pussies?” Earning him a lot of laughs and some…fangirling? At least from the twelvies in front of us. Guy’s dead-panned humour was a hit with the crowd and while we found it amusing we have a ‘Life Hack’ tip for Guy: Life Hacks on stage, while earning him points for audience engagement, doesn’t work as well as Life Hacks on radio.

All in all it was a good way to spend an ‘early evening’. Would recommend each comedian separately.

Leave a comment Posted on by Mata Comedy Fest, Theatre Talk

NZ Comedy Fest: Jamaine Ross Says Funny Things

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Headed along to see Jamaine Ross at the Classic Studio last night and he was standing at the door, greeting/offering thanks and t-shirt praises to those coming through. His presence at the door fostered a very laid-back atmosphere that promised a well-structured show full of laughs- mostly at his own expense- of which he delivered.

The anecdotal-ridden jokes were free-flowing as Ross proceeded to cover a range of relatable topics from transformers to dirty nursery rhymes recited as a kid. The 80s-90s pop-culture references were well-placed and inclusive, can’t say there is ever a dull moment. There’s something about Ross’s style of storytelling that is both entertaining and thoughtful, with a contagious laugh that transformed even awkward moments into hilarious ones. Heh, get it? Transformers- because he devoted an entire segment to Tranformers, robots in disguise. (You sang it, didn’t you?)

I suppose the only joke I found a bit tiring, or rather just felt was dragged out, was a running gag about the best Jamaine in comedy right now- depending on whether other ones still counts as comedians. Because, not to harp on about it or anything but, they don’t have nicknames based upon a Beardy McBeard- do they?

If you’ve got a spare evening head on down to The Classic Studio for an ab workout. If not much else, than to brush up on your rounds game. Singing in rounds should make a comeback. To be sure, to be sure. Although if we see Jamaine in the streets I’m gonna punch him out for getting that Venga boys song stuck in my head.

Jamaine Ross will be at The Classic Studio, Auckland all week, from Mon 12 Sat - 17 May, 8.45pm. Get them Auckland tickets now or soon, because his last few shows in Welly were sold out.

Leave a comment Posted on by Chloe Comedy Fest

NZ COMEDY FESTIVAL: Le Comique

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So tonight I went to Le Comique at the NZ Comedy Festival, the one and only show I will be attending because of factors both in my control and out of. It was advertised as two hours but turned out to be three, with a 13.5 minute intermission after an hour.

First half was good, second half was… quite long, as you would imagine if your first half was one hour and your second half two hours.

Le Comique has been going on for four years now and it was my first time checking it out, and actually any NZ Comedy Festival show for that matter. I’ll be honest, it was a bit of a mixed bag. It was hosted by Marcel Lucont, who I really dig now that I’ve seen him in real life other than a two minute clip on YouTube. He basically just says what everyone is thinking and gives no f**s about who he offends, if he offends anyone which he doesn’t because he’s just saying what everyone is thinking. Lucont is so quick at improv too that it was hard not to walk away thoroughly impressed. He has some really good songs and poems, too. So French. True connoisseur of the amour and vin rouge.

Lucont was supported in true comedy show style by the Hairy Soul Man & Band (HSMB) aka Kai Smythe and a group of musicians some in shadow some not. Smythe’s voice is amazing and so is his facial hair, but his comedy goods on offer tonight were not to my tastes. There is something for everyone, and Hairy Soul Man band is not for me. The musicians were incredible, though, and I think outside of a comedy circuit I’d appreciate the group way more than I did tonight. Which defeats the purpose of their existence so I guess I’ll just chalk it up to some sort of difference and we’ll both move on with our lives.

James Nokise was the first act up, a Welsh/Samoan stand-up who has apparently been making the rounds for years and years, now. All I have to say about him is, where have I been all this time?! He was hilarious, and I feel that HSMB should not have come before him because Nokise was top class compared to that. Mata can vouch for his Samoan truthiness.

Next up was Sara Pascoe, who I have been looking forward to all festival and whose solo show I am sadly missing out on when it starts next week. So I’m very glad I got to see her tonight. She was quite good, lovely accent, talking about some real neuroticisms that women might have in relationships (and that she has in relationships) along with some pretty out there anecdotes from her childhood. It’s all kept lighthearted with her delivery, though, and the speed at which we move from laugh to laugh keeps you on your toes and before you know it, it’s over all too soon :( You guys going to her show next week are going to have an amazing time!

Intermission time.

Up after the break was Marcel Lucont wanting to give away an Old Mout cider package and a $100 voucher for Sale St bar… but Hairy Soul Man Band dude kept picking nonexistent seat numbers. It went on for about fifteen minutes. It went on long enough for you to wonder if it was rigged as part of the comedy show or if it actually was a legitimate stuff up by whoever put the numbers together.

In the end they went with the closest number (E32) and the lucky dude from Devon, England got to win a round of Guess Who against Lucont. Verryyy niiiice.

There was Trygve Wakenshaw (say that backwards) who turned out to be some zany supernaturally wiry limbic dude who used miming and minimal sound effects to turn your brain against itself. Never thought you’d feel physically grossed out and squicky by a man finding, grooming, and then disembowelling an invisible horse? THINK AGAIN. It took me a while to warm up to the act but once I embraced the crazy (which admittedly took a while), it wasn’t too bad.

After him was James Acaster, who I don’t remember much of due to the dude next to me spilling a rather generous amount of beer on my leg and my coat which really pissed me off. Normally I would enjoy Acaster’s style of delivery and humour, and I did enjoy the act once I made myself comfortable with my new state of being (which was wet leg - tangent: wet clothes are ok if ALL your clothes are wet because then you can just convert to a state of ok all my clothes are wet, but partially wet clothes are just the worst because your brain is like WHAT AM I ADJUSTING TO FFS). So I can safely say I would attend another James Acaster show.

The night was closed by hospital DJ Ivan Brackenbury, who was HILARIOUS. What a top headliner especially if you haven’t already seen his material. He had me in stitches! Not actual ones although wouldn’t it be great if you were in hospital needing stitches and there was DJ Ivan Brackenbury to help you along with your healing process.

Interspersed in all of this were Jackie Van Beek and Jonny Brugh who were Ivan and Eva, the Eastern European pair pulling around dead weight horse Sylvia. It was all a little bit random for me to be honest.

SPOILER ALERT LOOK AWAY NOW -

Sylvia turns out to be missing at the end of the sketch which begs the question - was Sylvia the horse Trygve Wakenshaw groomed and eventually found out was a unicorn and then did unspeakable things to?

OK IT’S SAFE NOW -

Le Comique had great fantastic moments that came close to not really outweighing the acts I didn’t care so much for, but it’s a show you should try to catch next Comedy Festival. It’s a rare chance to see comedians who are at the top of their game playing off each other, and adds a new level to the comedy you may or may not be accustomed to.