29 November 2004
artscalendar.co.nz newsletter
Greetings from artscalendar.co.nz We thought since Christmas is almost upon us (eek!) we would have a "Christmas
Special" Newsletter. There are some great music performances, exhibitions, and theatre all around the theme of Christmas
in this week's newsletter just to get you all in the mood!
Bats Theatre: The Eight - Reindeer Monologues
The sleigh ride is over.
Tear down the tinsel. Dismantle the mistletoe and de-wrap the presents – CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED.
This is the “E! True Hollywood" story of the biggest scandal to hit the North Pole since… ever! As told by Reindeer’s
elite: Dasher, Cupid, Prancer, Blitzen, Comet, Dancer, Donner and Vixen – “THE EIGHT”. A dark festive comedy absolutely
not to be missed! WARNING: This Show contains STRONG sexual themes, foul language and deer.
This show is NOT suitable for children or elves. Opening on 7 December until 18 December (no show on Sundays or Mondays)
at Bats Theatre, Wellington. Reserve tickets on Bats phone line, 04 802 4175. Adult tickets from: $15.00 Bach Musica NZ:
Music for Christmas
The majestic sound of two trumpets will set the festive Christmas mood in one of Vivaldi's most famous concertos played
by two of NZ's leading Baroque trumpeters: Philip Lloyd and Peter Reid, who will be remembered from our recent
Monteverdi "Vespers" performance. Performing on Sunday 5 December at 5.00pm at St Matthews in the City, Auckland
Central. Adult tickets: $30.00, door sales only.
A still from Tim Armstrong's video work.
Photo courtesy of Enjoy Gallery Enjoy Gallery: A Christmas Story, Tim Armstrong
He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake,
he knows if you've been bad or good , so be good for goodness sake......
A Christmas Story is an exhibition exploring the sinister side of Santa Claus and the mythology surrounding him.
Referencing the cheap production and tacky aesthetic common to big department stores, Tim brings to life the mythical
man in red in full fibreglass glory. This show will reveal and ridicule the frequently celebrated but rarely questioned
hero of western culture that is Father Christmas. Reminiscent of the famously creepy figurines of shop displays, albeit
carrying a scythe instead of the usual sack of toys, the Santa of A Christmas Story is more frightening than friendly.
Displayed at Enjoy Public Art Gallery, Wellington until 10 December. There will also be an artist talk on 1 December at
6pm in relation to this exhibition. Cantoris: Christmas - Ancient and Modern
Cantoris performs a sequence of motets by Victoria which tell the Christmas story from the Annunciation to the birth and
adoration of Christ, followed by Britten's "Christ's nativity", arrangements of traditional carols and other original
compositions. This will also be Michael Vintens last concert as Music Director for Cantoris.
Held at the St Marys of the Angels, Boulcott Street, Wellington on Saturday 4 December at 7.30pm. Rua's Christmas
Concert
New Zealand's award winning Celtic Group "RUA" return to present their special Christmas Concert. Join "RUA" and special
guests for a night of their stunning contemporary Celtic music with an extra helping of Christmas songs. At the Harbour
Light Theatre, Lyttleton on 16 December at 8.30pm. Tickets: Adults $15.00, Children $10.00. Door sales only. Do not
expect the world to look bright, if you habitually wear gray-brown glasses.
Charles Eliot
ENDS