More Theatrics At Auckland Art Gallery

More Theatrics At Auckland Art Gallery

AUCKLAND, June 1, 2006 - Potential theatre-goers can 'try before they buy' when excerpts from upcoming plays are performed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki throughout June and July.

Actors will present excerpts from new plays about to open at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre at THE EDGE as part of its STAMP season. STAMP is a creative development programme designed to support and profile new work by local theatre and dance practitioners.

STAMP play excerpts were first presented at Auckland Art Gallery in February and March and proved popular with gallery visitors, attracting around 80 visitors each performance. If the excerpt performed tickles the visitors' fancy, visitors are given all the information they need, and often an incentive, to book for the show.

"One of the main aims of STAMP is to encourage new audiences into the theatre," said THE EDGE® Manager, Creative Programmes, Lauren Hughes. "Those who do not regularly attend theatre often forget the joy, humour and pure pleasure to be gained from live entertainment. It has been wonderful to see Gallery visitors really engaged in these live previews. They provide a good sneak peek at what you can expect from the full performance."

Public Programmes Curator at Auckland Art Gallery, Kim O'Loughlin, said he was thrilled and encouraged that the partnership with STAMP at THE EDGE was continuing with more performances: "It is a true delight to be able to work with another innovative arts organisation, that is perhaps not normally associated with an art gallery, and offer the Gallery visitor the opportunity to catch a preview of a new play as well as our exhibitions."

Details of STAMP Play Readings at Auckland Art Gallery are as follows:

Monday June 5 (Queen's Birthday), 1pm - Red Shorts
Combining classical theatre with European clowning and character acting, The Olfarts Comedy Company presents Chekhov the way he wished it to be performed - as comedy.
Season: June 7-23, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE

Saturday July 1, Noon - A Night of French Mayhem
17th century Paris clashes with 21st century Auckland in A Night of French Mayhem featuring two one-act plays by French playwright Moliere. Expect to see heaving bosoms, horny men and dodgy bastards
Season: July 5-16, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE

Saturday July 8th, 1pm - The End of the Golden Weather
1930s New Zealand is revisited in this new production of Bruce Mason's classic play. Returning to the original one-man format, the play will be performed by Stephen Lovatt.
Season: July 18-30, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE

ENDS

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