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ONE DAY MOKO CRUISES TO BATS

Created & performed by Tim Carlsen. Directed by Sophie Roberts.

After three years in development, input from one of the most celebrated theatre companies in the United States, and a sell-out Auckland season - Tim Carlsen’s One Day Moko comes to Wellington this August taking audiences into the no-frills world of the homeless living in urban New Zealand.

Hey! I’m Moko. I’m an urban connoisseur, eh. Baked beans, karaoke and Spaghetti Westerns…that’s me in a nutshell bro…

Meet Moko. He lives under a by-pass. His life fits in a trolley. Shunting along streets around town – he’s a known sight. Eat, sleep, work, play - he’s got things to do and places to be. Even if it’s a hard road, Moko gets by. Through the cheeky, charming, and churlish character of Moko (the homeless protagonist) and his interactions with a number of rich and diverse characters and environments (all met through a television screen) One Day Moko explores isolation, routine, fitting in and standing out.

25 year-old Carlsen began developing One Day Moko at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama school three years ago. During that time he worked with acclaimed theatre company The Wooster Group in New York City, whose alumni and members include heavy hitters Steve Buscemi and Willem Dafoe. Carlsen says “performing parts of the show via Skype to the entire company was a highlight in the show’s development - from Wellington to New York City”.

Research for the show has included volunteering for organizations such as Catacombs Drop-in on Courtney Place and The Auckland City Mission. From homeless football games to participating in the Mission drama group, Carlsen was able to get a glimpse into the NZ homeless lifestyle and developed ties with a large range of homeless clients. “It was the simple things - cooking instant noodles, making cups of tea and watching TV with a range of people that made me consider my own routine… and how this revealed universal habits that all human beings share”.

Also on board One Day Moko is award-winning Director Sophie Roberts, Co-Artistic Director of Almost a Bird Theatre Collective, who in her short career has already garnished two Chapman Tripp Theatre awards and a successful career as an actor for both the stage and screen. Roberts’ recent directing credits include the sell out Christmas shows Toys and Christ Almighty! at BATS.

The show will be setting up a temporary food bank at BATS Theatre during the season. Audience members can donate canned goods in exchange for a discounted ticket – with all goods being donated back to the Wellington City Mission. Carlsen hopes to get people from the Mission community to see the work in order to provoke conversation around those who are isolated and alienated from mainstream society.

With its unique incorporation of technology One Day Moko is a visceral experience that will instigate recognition, reflection and debate among those who see it. One Day Moko is a raw and inspirational story, not retreating from provocation, and demonstrating we all have a vagrant within.

One Day Moko / 23 Aug - 1 Sep 2012, 6.30pm

BATS THEATRE, WELLINGTON

FULL $18, CONCESSION $14 Bring a can of food to donate to the Wellington City Mission and receive a concession ticket!