Director, actor, playwright, novelist and choreographer Noel Tovey traces his fascinating heritage back to include the Plymouth Bretheren that settled in Christchurch, the Narrenjerrie Aboriginals of Australia and an African slave freed by the American War of Independence. Born, however, in Melbourne at a time when such diversity was not the norm his childhood was marked by homelessness, alcoholism, violence and abuse.

Image: Little Black Bastard is part of The Stamp season of performances at The Edge in Auckland until September.
Director, actor, playwright, novelist and choreographer Noel Tovey traces his fascinating heritage back to include the Plymouth Bretheren that settled in Christchurch, the Narrenjerrie Aboriginals of Australia and an African slave freed by the American War of Independence. Born, however, in Melbourne at a time when such diversity was not the norm his childhood was marked by homelessness, alcoholism, violence and abuse.

Image: Little Black Bastard is part of The Stamp season of performances at The Edge in Auckland until September.
Tovey escaped Australia to live out a rags-to-riches story in which he lived in England and America, dancing for Sadlers Wells and working alongside some of the great film and theatre artists of his day from Ken Tynan to Judy Garland.

In Little Black Bastard, Noel recalls his return to Australia and his reconciliation with the country that had never managed to provide him with a home. This true story is an inspiring personal tale of survival followed by success: a moving testimony to the power of the human spirit.

Written and performed by Noel Tovey
Directed by Robina Beard
Showing at HERALD THEATRE, AOTEA CENTRE, THE EDGE ®
From 2nd May 2006 to 7th May 2006

A Polynesian disco god, a 'Little Black Bastard', Romanian tap dancers and even Badjelly the Witch can all be found in the fifth season of STAMP - THE EDGE ® Creative Development Programme - launched on Tuesday 28th March.

This provocative, sometimes risque and frequently hilarious programme of events encompasses theatre, dance, comedy and music as well as behind-the-scenes development initiatives.

Since its introduction three years ago, STAMP has seen the number of dance and drama seasons presented at THE EDGE ® grow from 15 to 27 a year - an increase of over 50 per cent.

In addition to a new crop of dance and theatre productions, the fifth STAMP season sees the continued development of creative partnerships with organisations including Playmarket, the Play It Strange Trust and The Oddfellows New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

After three years, STAMP is taking on a strong identity of its own with both arts practitioners and arts audiences said THE EDGE ® Performing Arts Director, Robbie Macrae.

"THE EDGE ® is generally regarded as a venue but with the STAMP programme, it plays a vital role in generating and developing new work," said Mr Macrae. "For the Performing Arts team it means doing more than finding existing productions and booking them into the venues, it means developing new works and operating as an essential cog within the national arts industry.

"'Development opportunities' is more than jargon to us - it is a tangible process of providing artists with practical opportunities and connecting them with people that can actively help their work be realised," said Mr Macrae.

THE EDGE ® Creative Programmes Manager, Lauren Hughes said one of the most rewarding aspects of STAMP was watching the subsequent growth and successes of its partners.

"STAMP understands that the more successful our partnerships are with these companies, the faster they will leave us. Our message to audiences is to get in now while these shows are just $20 or $30 and you can get up close and intimate with the performers."

STAMP productions are primarily staged in the Herald Theatre and the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber. This season, Badjelly the Witch will be staged in The Civic Winter Garden and Bluebeard's Castle in the Auckland Town Hall Great Hall. STAMP also offers a number of behind-the-scenes activities including masterclasses, workshops, working groups and readings.

Two STAMP brochures are produced each year detailing the forthcoming six monthly seasons. STAMP programme booklets with details of events from March to September 2006 are available from public libraries Auckland-wide. To request a copy email STAMP@the-edge.co.nz.

STAMP March-Sept 2006 includes:
100 Cousins (Massive Company)
Black Grace & Friends
Little Black Bastard
Acquisitions 06 (Touch Compass Dance Trust)
The ODDFELLOWS NZ International Comedy Festival
Bluebeard's Castle (Auckland Philharmonia & The NBR NZ Opera)
Red Shorts (Olfarts Comedy Company)
Feats of Fancy (Footnote Dance Company)
My Brother & I Are Pornstars
A Night of French Mayhem (The Rebel Alliance)
The End of the Golden Weather
On Our Street (Capital E National Theatre for Children)
The Case of Katherine Mansfield (Silo Theatre)
Badjelly the Witch (Silo Theatre)
Happy Hour for Miserable Children (Theatre Beating)