Award Winning Theatre Makes the Trip to Auckland

Award Winning Theatre Makes the Trip to Auckland
STAMP at THE EDGE presents The PlayGround Collective’s
THE INTRICATE ART OF ACTUALLY CARING
Written by Eli Kent. Directed by Eleanor Bishop
Winner “Best Theatre” 2009 NZ Fringe Awards
“Most Original Production” 2009 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards

One of 2009’s most renowned pieces of New Zealand theatre, critically celebrated for its premiere in a bedroom and subsequent professional seasons in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, Eli Kent’s The Intricate Art of Actually Caring plays for the first time in Auckland at The Basement from June 14.

“A stunning success: a young and highly talented playwright’s road trip meditation on life, death, and the whole damned thing. Kent and fellow actor Jack Shadbolt are terrific. It's hip, funny and moving" - Dominion Post

Jack and Eli spend their days hanging out in Eli's bedroom, drinking beers and riffing on movies, music and girls. But when the death of a friend causes Jack to look inside himself, he doesn't like what he sees, sparking a spiritual journey for the two to James K. Baxter’s grave in Jerusalem, New Zealand.

With an air of familiarity akin to works surrounding Generation X and the “slacker” generation, The Intricate Art of Actually Caring’s execution is by no means like the subject matter. Eli Kent’s taught writing style which references pop culture alongside Hamlet-like probings of masculinity, morality and growing up are weaved together through sharp, witty banter and poetic ramblings.

It’s almost antithesis to traditional theatre conventions are further evidenced by its premiere season in February 2009 as part of the NZ Fringe Festival – opting to be performed in Kent’s bedroom rather than on stage or a similar found space. Its innovative approach and “banter” earned it “Best Theatre” at the 2009 NZ Fringe Festival alongside “Most Original Production” at the prestigious Chapman Tripp Wellington Theatre Awards, accompanied by rave reviews from the likes of The Dominion Post and Theatreview leading into their second season in Wellington at Downstage Theatre and their first national tour.

The 2010 production of Jack and Eli’s odyssey has been “revamped” for it national tour, as it incorporates lo-fi technology that time forgot; as the mighty OHP produces results you never thought it could achieve, as The Basement is transformed into Eli’s bedroom, the car, their destination and everywhere in-between.

"Genius...wonderfully intimate theatrical experience" - Lynn Freeman, Capital Times

“A work of extraordinary wit, perspicacity and humanity...Book now: don't miss it" - John Smythe, Theatreview

The Intricate Art of Actually Caring plays
14th – 19th June 2010, 7pm (Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8pm).
The Basement, Lower Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD
Tickets: Adults $25, Concessions/Students $20 (service fees apply)
Group bookings available by phone 09 357 3354
Bookings: 0800 BUY TICKETS or www.buytickets.co.nz

ENDS

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