Research Theatre Company presents: Alfonsia

For Immediate Release:
9 July, 2010



Unitec's LAB: Research Theatre Company presents:

ALFONSINA

DIRECTED BY PEDRO ILGENFRITZ

After successful seasons at the Wellington and Dunedin Fringe Festivals and participating as a guest at VERTICE BRAZIL 2010 (International Women in Theatre Festival) in July, Alfonsina is coming to delight Auckland audiences on 9-14 August with its dynamic ensemble acting, inventive direction and compelling storytelling.

Alfonsina depicts the adventures and misfortunes of a young Argentinean cleaner facing the social, economic and cultural challenges of migrating to Auckland in search of a new life. Escaping the harsh suburbs of Buenos Aires (Argentina) straight to downtown Auckland, Alfonsina (Andrea Ariel) quickly manages to find a job cleaning offices thanks to her new neighbour Hera (Katie Burson), another cleaner. They both work for Tracy (Genevieve Cohen), the boss of Sparkle and Shine cleaning company. Everything goes well until Alfonsina is asked to show her work visa...

Alfonsina is a tragicomedy revealing the paradoxes of the immigration experience. It is a poetic meditation on friendship, honesty, the hardship of the lower classes and the desire for a better life.

LAB: Research Theatre Company is an independent professional theatre company created in 2009, engaged in the investigation of actors' methodology and the development of original theatre shows, proudly sponsored by the Unitec Research Committee.

The company is directed by Pedro Ilgenfritz, a young theatre director from Brazil, who specialises in physical theatre, clowning and dramaturgy. Pedro has been in New Zealand for ten years and is currently teaching, directing and researching at Unitec New Zealand in Auckland. Pedro wrote and co-directed the acclaimed show The Remedy Syndrome (2005) for the SEED Co (Chapman Tripp Award Nominee, Best New New Zealand Play of the year) and Harmonious Oddity (2008), collaborating with Touch Compass Dance Trust Artistic Director Catherine Chappell. Harmonious Oddity won Tempo Festival 2008: People's Choice Award for "Best in Show" and it was performed at the Art of Difference Festival in Melbourne, Australia.

ALFONSINA was one of the highlights of Wellington and Dunedin Fringe Festival 2010 and was praised by the audience and critics:

"Excellent direction and three superb performances from the cast" (Ewen Coleman - THE DOMINION POST)

"Fluid ensemble work and impeccable timing" (John Smythe - THEATREVIEW)

"The method is fresh and charming, utilizing all the best skills of clowning" (Terry MacTavish - THEATREVIEW)

9-14 AUGUST, 8PM

MATINEE 14 AUGUST, 2PM

MUSGROVE STUDIO, THE MAIDMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

TICKETS: $18 ADULT, $15 CONCESSION/STUDENTS

09 3082383

WWW.MAIDMENT.AUCKLAND.AC.NZ

HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/#!/PAGES/LAB-RESEARCH-THEATRE-COMPANY/104106616304851?REF=TS

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