Here is a selection of recent reviews from theatreview.org.nz from the last week.

Theatreview is the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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Here is a selection of recent reviews from theatreview.org.nz from the last week.

Theatreview is the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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BATS, Wellington - BRAIN DAMAGE: A pointless exercise?

- reviewed by John Smythe

What it actually challenges each of us to do, independently, is gain some value from randomly tuning in to the five scenarios that play out simultaneously around the periphery of what is normally the Bats performing space. We are each free to move about, engaging – or trying to – as we choose.

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Circa One, Wellington - AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY: Powerful drama deserves its standing ovation

- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

It is not often that a Circa Theatre production receives a standing ovation on opening night but that was the case on Saturday with Susan Wilson’s production of award winning American playwright Tracy Letts play August: Osage County. And deservedly so.

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Downstage Theatre, Wellington - THE SPY WHO WOULDN’T DIE AGAIN: Slick twist-and-turn spy tale entertaining theatre

- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

There can be few productions in Wellington lately that have an opening as spectacular as Downstage Theatre’s current production from SEEyD – The Spy Who Wouldn’t Die Again. Even Hollywood would be hard pressed to create an action packed set of credits like this production does.

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Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland - SAMOA MO SAMOA: Love, passion and conviction

- reviewed by Nick Bakulich

The play is based on the famous and historical non-violent Mau Movement of Samoa. Characters include the Movement’s leaders and members of the then governing New Zealand administration.

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Circa One, Wellington - AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY: A mesmerising ‘train wreck’ of epic and comic proportions

- reviewed by John Smythe

It is fascinating be in a theatre foyer alive with the smiling, excited faces of an audience who have just witnessed – over three-and-a-half hours (including 2 intervals) – the inexorable decimation of the Weston family.

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Centrepoint, Palmerston North - CONJUGAL RITES: An easily enjoyable production of a fine play

- reviewed by John Ross

Take one middle-class bedroom and one middle-aged, professional, urban, Pakeha couple, doing the various kinds of stuff you do in bedrooms over a chunk of time. Fancy making a lively full-length comedy (with a bit of drama mixed in) out of that, as Roger Hall has. Amazingly, it works.

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Downstage Theatre, Wellington - THE SPY WHO WOULDN’T DIE AGAIN: Purposeful method in inspired madness

- reviewed by John Smythe

We have come to expect that anything produced by The SEEyD Company ‘out of Spite’ will play with an issue or two in a highly creative way. And yes, despite the predominance of theatrical ebullience ... the final moments do deliver the sting, albeit whimsical, that gives us more to take away than just an appreciation of a clever comic spectacle.

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Fortune Theatre, Dunedin - MATES & LOVERS: A stunning piece of theatre

- reviewed by Jennifer Aitken

This production of Mates and Lovers exuded a very rough-and-ready aesthetic. Like the erotic adventures of many in “the Domain” or up on Mt. Vic, this production was rough, earthy and essential.

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Downstage Theatre, Wellington - MATES & LOVERS: A mosaic of gay history

- reviewed by Charlie Holland

Before I even start this review, I have to confess that I knew nothing of this play or the book of the same title written by Chris Brickell before entering the Booksellers competition. All I had in mind was an evening at the theatre on a Saturday night, considering it had been a while since I had treated myself to some good ole’ Kiwi entertainment.

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Fortune Theatre Studio, Dunedin - THE SECOND TEST: Essence of the story and time authentically caught

- reviewed by Sharon Matthews

I am delighted that this exceptional touring show has made it to the South Island, allowing us to experience a small but important piece of New Zealand history, and one presented by an outstanding comic writer and performer, within the intimate space of the Fortune Studio.

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