Piece of NZ Literary History Goes Global

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Piece of NZ Literary History Goes Global

AUCKLAND, August 2, 2006 - Following a critically acclaimed two-week season in Auckland, a new production of Bruce Mason's classic play The End of the Golden Weather will make its international debut this month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Starring actor Stephen Lovatt, The End of the Golden Weather was produced by new theatre company, 88 Degrees in the Shade and staged at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE® as part of STAMP - Creative Development at THE EDGE®. The production was directed by Mark Clare and produced by Graeme Bennett.

The one-man show garnered rave reviews with Lovatt's ability to convincingly perform all the characters with minimum stage effects particularly impressing critics:

"It's been a while since I have come out of a production that is not supported by myriad performers and props feeling so invigorated from the experience." - Sara Hewitson, View Auckland.

"His physical agility matches the taut language of the play itself and Lovatt is able to convey character at times with a grand gesture and at other times with slight movements of the body." - John Daly-Peoples, National Business Review.

"Lovatt fills the empty space with his abundant talent, immersing himself whole-heartedly in Bruce Mason's delicious prose." - Kate Ward-Smythe, Theatreview.

"Stephen Lovatt certainly makes the part his own. The changes of voice are skilfully handled and he shows great energy and verve in the more physical moments" - Paul Simei-Barton, NZ Herald.

Following seven performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 13 to 19 at The Aviary, the production will tour the UK next year before returning to New Zealand for a national tour.

ENDS

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