LandLies unpacks the Kiwi dream

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Attn: Arts Editor

LandLies

BATS theatre
29 May – 2 June

LandLies unpacks the Kiwi dream

New Zealand has always aligned itself with a number of definitive cultural concepts including the quarter acre dream, our number 8 wire ingenuity, our 100% pure image and our progressive decision to let women vote first.

But how relevant are these inherited aspects of culture to today’s real estate-randy, designer Swandri-wearing, IPod toting contemporary Kiwi?

LandLies - a new play opening by Picket Fence Productions – explores this question by using aspects of popular culture including music videos, advertising and technology.

“Most of our parents own at least a quarter acre section, had a free education and have predominantly been in the same career since their late twenties. Now the norm is to have a massive student loan, two degrees and the hope of me ever owning my own house is pretty slim at the rate things are going.” says director Jessie Alsop.

The inspiration for the play, which was devised by the entire cast -Amanda Baker, Ana Brothers, Jade Daniels and Julie Noever - was the sale of numerous camping grounds around New Zealand.

“We all know that change is occurring really rapidly in New Zealand; economically, culturally and environmentally so we wondered why we were still being sold these mythical ideas about ourselves, particularly through the media.” says Jessie,

“I think part of it is that we don’t want those Kiwi dreams to be lost, which makes you wonder why we can be so slow when it comes to taking action. Although it sounds a bit grim, LandLies is also a celebration of contemporary culture and all its glory.”

Moving with broadband speed from the sweaty changing room of the local gym to a small camping ground on the east coast, to the boardroom of a multi-million dollar realty company, Landlies takes an energetic and entertaining romp through modern New Zealand resulting in a precocious new play that is as complex and poignant as the break up of Brad and Jen and more provocative than a Nelly Furtado video.

Season: Tuesday 29 May – Saturday 2 June
Time: 7pm, plus 9pm Friday/Saturday
Cost: Full $16/Concession and groups of 10+ $12

ENDS

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