Success Of "Ihi FrENZy" Marks An Important New Phase In New Zealand Performing Arts

Ihi FrENZy was a fantastic example of collaboration between two of New Zealand's top performing arts companies, says Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard.

"The success of the collaboration between the Royal New Zealand Ballet and national kapa haka champions Te Matarae I Orehu can be measured by the excellent news that the show sold over 40% more tickets than the Ballet's initial projections," says Judith Tizard.

31,000 people attended 26 performances around the country during The Meridian Energy Season of Ihi FrENZy in June and July, with sold-out performances in Wellington, Napier, Hamilton, Rotorua and Christchurch.

"In Rotorua and Christchurch, Ihi FrENZy was so popular that extra shows had to be scheduled to cope with the demand. The Ballet told me that their schedule is so tight it's usually impossible to plan extra performances.

"The response from New Zealanders to Ihi FrENZy shows that there is an interest in and a thirst for collaborative works," says Judith Tizard.

"With the stunning combination of two top performance companies and their respective choreographers, the design work of Tracey Grant and John Rayment, the music of Split Enz, and a nod to the late Colin McCahon, I feel that Ihi FrENZy marks the beginning of an important new phase in New Zealand culture.

"It has been a great year for the Royal NZ Ballet with an excellent annual report, a healthy operating profit and most recently this extremely successful FrENZy tour. I would like to congratulate the company on its accomplishment.

"I would also like to congratulate Te Matarae I Orehu on the ecstatic response their performances of Ihi received around the country. Sold-out shows in the company's home-town of Rotorua are a huge compliment to their artistry and professionalism."

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