See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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WHITE LIGHT FALLS: Exploring female support networks
The Basement, Auckland
Co-choreographers: Maddy Powell and Emily Jenkins
Producer: Sarah-Louise Collins
- reviewed by Chloe Klein

Several threads of relationship between the performers appear. Exclusion and desire are apparent as dancer tries to enter into support with an embraced couple, at first gently, and then desperately as she is repetitively dropped and ignored. Symbiotic sustenance and care are nurtured in an agile duet sharing weight-bearing and assisted travel. The darker edges of power, manipulation, and control are hinted at, and left somewhat unexplored.

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A GHOST TALE: Brooding stillness, abject terror, unhinged laughter
Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
Written by – Benjamin Teh
Directed by Jesse Hilford 
Presented by Basement Theatre
- reviewed by Nik Smythe

The timing of this play seems a little off. However, if Halloween passed you by this year (as it did me) and you feel you’ve missed out, or if you were so well into it that you’re now suffering withdrawals, this freaky little independent production may get you into and/or replenish the eerie mood.

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THE STREAKER: Challenges met with unpredictable twists
Centrepoint, Palmerston North
by Gregory Cooper
Directed by Jeff Kingsford-Brown
- reviewed by John C Ross

Without giving too much away, let’s say that the streak does happen, yet no-one gets literally stark naked – what does happen is much more flamboyant and funnier than that. The costume designer Harriet Denby has evidently had a whole lot of fun with this.

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THE STREAKER: A romping comedy
Centrepoint, Palmerston North
by Gregory Cooper
Directed by Jeff Kingsford-Brown
- reviewed by Alexandra Bellad-Ellis

This fast-paced comedy from Gregory Cooper, who also wrote MAMIL: Middle Aged Man In Lycra, is set in Palmerston North which adds a taste of local flair to the piece. Having recognisable voices for the radio hosts gives another relatable moment for the audience.

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SCHLUNTED (THE OTHER PEOPLE): Stunted
TAPAC Theatre, Western Springs, Auckland
Written and Directed by Adam Spedding 
Composition and Musical Direction by Brayden Jeffrey
- reviewed by Rachael Longshaw-Park

It is a strong set up for a farcical adventure, but something doesn’t quite sit right. The character reactions fail to accurately match the gravity of the situation and there is ill timed character development, such as Wally’s showering song, that feels clunky and out of place after a huge disaster.

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LIFEWORLD (IN FIVE PARTS): Delightful to watch
Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland
Choreographer: Claire O'Neil
Lighting: Natasha James
Music: Original composition by Eden Mulholland
Film Editor: Jeremy Brick
- reviewed by Chloe Klein

Lifeworld is a celebration of the ordinary. One of the most uplifting, significant, and mesmerising works of choreography I have seen, it left me hopeful and with a feeling of personal

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AS NIGHT FALLS: As Night Falls puts dancers through their paces
Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland LIVE, Auckland
Choreography: Neil Ieremia
Music: selected movements from Vivaldi concerti Vivaldi (Concerto in G Minor for 2 Cellos, Srtings and Basso continuo, RV 531; The Four Seasons, Concerto No 4 in F Minor, RV 297; Concerto No 8 in A Mino4r, RV522); Gareth Farr - Little Se Gongs; Nisi Dominus RV608; The Lords Prayer (in Samoan)
- reviewed by Raewyn Whyte (2)

But when the bright lights shine down, their sculptural muscularity is revealed and their ability to flow through demanding, intricate, detailed passages of movement at a punishingly fast pace reveals they are highly trained dancers.

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A KETE OF COOKED KUMARA, ADVENTURES IN A NEW LAND: Share the experience and empathise
BATS Theatre, Studio, 1 Kent Tce, Wellington
By Ralph Johnson, Storyteller 
Produced by Moira Wairama 
Presented by BAGGAGE @ BATS
- reviewed by Margaret Austin

Johnson recounts a voyage by the ‘Aurora’ in 1840 – a voyage which his relative Jemima is taking from England to New Zealand. He takes on her character and speaks with her voice, describing both the anticipation and the fears entailed by such a journey.

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See more recent reviews at theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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