11 May 2004
Media Release
Free lunchtime performances brighten winter days
Dance, comedy, live music and other surprising treats are in store for the public and Auckland College of Education
campus community. The college is delighted to announce its inaugural “ActivAte” series of lunchtime performances,
starting next week.
The free half-hour shows are on Wednesdays at 12.15pm, in the Owen Gilmour Theatre on the college’s Epsom campus. All
are welcome.
“Cooler weather on the way means more indoor entertainment and what better fun than to munch with others while enjoying
a live show,” says Helen Langford, a dance lecturer in the college’s Centre for the Arts that has produced the series.
Each week will feature a different art form - from dance to music, costuming, acting and everything in between, by both
amateur and professional performers.
First up on Wednesday 16th June is “The Magic Chicken”, by Theatre Beating, featured in the recent Auckland Comedy
Festival, nominated for the “Best Show Concept” and “Best Comedy Innovation” at the New Zealand International Comedy
Festival Awards. The troupe of a musician, actor and puppeteer cleverly mixes traditional Comedia del ‘arte – slapstick,
classic mime and clowning – with contemporary references.
Then on Wednesday 23rd of June, Takapuna Grammar School Year 13 NCEA drama students will perform some wonderful
monologues as part of their course portfolio. A free lunch of tasty sandwiches will be supplied, courtesy of Subway.
Performances will resume after the student break on 28 July – ones to watch for include:
Jim Langabeer jazz quartet
Michael Bennett film maker
Auckland Normal Intermediate Schools orchestra
Talk by Elizabeth Whiting, costume designer extraordinaire
ActivAte winter series
When: Wednesdays, 12.15pm, 16 and 23 June and from 28 July to 15 September
Where: Owen Gilmour Theatre, Auckland College of Education, Gate 4, Epsom Ave
Lunch: BYO
Gold coin appreciated
Upcoming shows: check www.ace.ac.nz