History repeats just in time for New Zealand premiere
As Barclays Bank moves to stem the fallout caused by its rogue traders, Stagecraft is bringing the New Zealand premiere
of Enron, the stage show, to Wellington.
Written by Lucy Prebble (writer of TV series ‘Secret Diary of a Call Girl’), Enron tells the story of the spectacular rise and even more dramatic fall of the Texan energy, commodities and services
company.
Co-directors Paul Kay and Joy Hellyer say the story of Enron, also explored in the 2005 film 'The Smartest Guys in the
Room’, is, in essence, a well-known one about the illusion of success, the power of greed and the dangers of corporate
life.
“We saw this show in the UK a couple of years ago and have been desperate to bring it to Wellington ever since,” says
Joy.
“What we particularly liked is the balance of a central drama among the key players at Enron with a very stylised and
hugely entertaining depiction of all the other figures who supported or were affected by the fraud. So for instance
Arthur Andersen, the accountancy firm, is depicted as a ventriloquist and his dummy. And then the author also literally
brings to life things like the financial ‘raptors’ the CFO created to hide the spiralling debt.”
Paul, who works in a senior management role for one of Wellington’s major law firms, says the subject matter is
particularly relevant in Wellington which houses New Zealand’s regulators as well as the head offices for many energy,
law and accountancy firms.
“The behaviour at Enron was absolutely shocking but all those around them also contributed to the bubble of perceived
success,” says Paul.
“And we’re not immune to this in New Zealand – think of all the finance company collapses where trustees, auditors and
financial analysts all failed to see through what was going on. And now we see it again in the UK – lessons really
haven’t been learned.”
Enron was a huge hit when it premiered in London in 2009 and was described by The Times as a “gripping epic and modern parable about unfettered capitalism - not a dull moment in it”. The Sunday Telegraph gave it five stars.
Wellington audiences get their chance to see this hit show from 1 August.
Enron, is on at the Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street and runs from 1 to 11 August with tickets $22 or $20. Group bookings
discounts are available. Booking fees may apply.
Bookings can be made at www.stagecraft.co.nz or ph 0508 484253
ENDS