Encounter the Deep Blue Sea

Media Release 23 January 2007

Encounter the Deep Blue Sea

"Wade through a sea of rubbish, become entangled in a maze of lost drift nets and meet a couple of scamming human litter bugs before being enchanted by how the sea should be in an unpolluted, magical mermaid haven at Perils of the Deep Blue Sea.

Children and adults alike will embrace a hands-on journey through an ocean labyrinth in the role of the critically endangered Maui's dolphin. The obstacles faced by this rare mammal will be closely encountered along side guidance about what we can do to ensure this precious NZ species survives.

Sarah Burren producer and designer for the Real Theatre Company passionately describes Perils of the Deep Blue Sea as “a promenade show where people can walk through the historic tunnels at Fort Takapuna to discover the colour and excitement of theatre while they are entertained by actors in their other-worldly costumes".

With support from the Department of Conservation, the NZ Association for Environmental Education, North Shore City Council, ASB Community Trusts and the WWF - New Zealand, Perils of the Deep Blue Sea is an entertaining show packing a marine conservation punch.

These key sponsors share a common interest in delivering a strong environmental message and are drawn to the fresh way that The Real Theatre Company will tell this story and reach a younger audience in an interesting, innovative and interactive way.

Burren says this is a show that will send people home thinking, making Perils of the Deep Blue Sea a fantastic way to introduce the beauty and power of theatre to people of all ages.

“This is a surreal and experimental piece of theatre embracing a very sensitive issue. During it’s conception we have considered multiple theatrical components to ensure an intimate, impactful installation by high quality characters to bring the story alive” says Burren.

Perils of the Deep Blue Sea has been creatively devised by an enthusiastic team of seasoned professionals and emerging talent from AUT fashion and costume designers, South Seas Film and Television School actors and with make up and prosthetics provided by the Cut Above Academy.

After 11 months in the making, creators of sell out March Madness and The Genie & the Lamp present the special theatrical family experience that is The Perils of the Deep Blue Sea.

Perils of the Deep Blue Sea will show during the first two weekends of March 2008, tickets are available now from iTicket on www.iticket.co.nz or 09 361 1000.

ENDS

Editors Notes

* The ASB Community Trust provided funding for 1000 primary and intermediate aged children from low decile Auckland schools to be transported to the Fort to partake in this special production for free during two private showing days.

* Emphasising the importance of education in this production Waihi College art and drama students will be creating a special set as part of the Perils of the Deep Blue Sea experience over two weekends in February as a part of their curriculum. Here they will have the opportunity to work amongst industry professionals at the same time as helping to spread this important message.

* This show is not suitable for children under the age of five, people requiring wheel chair access, prams or dogs

* All children must be accompanied by an adult

ENDS

www.realtheatre.co.nz

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