Of Tainui descent, Christian Penny is recognised as one of this country's boldest theatre directors. He was a co-founder of Theatre at Large and has worked with Taki Rua Productions, Theatre Physical in Australia and Touch Compass Dance Trust, and since 2002 has been Head of Directing at Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School. Along with director Jade Eriksen, Penny conceived and created the epic theatre work Penumbra, which makes its professional debut this Friday as part of the Auckland Festival, AK07.Of Tainui descent, Christian Penny is recognised as one of this country's boldest theatre directors. He was a co-founder of Theatre at Large and has worked with Taki Rua Productions, Theatre Physical in Australia and Touch Compass Dance Trust, and since 2002 has been Head of Directing at Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School. Along with director Jade Eriksen, Penny conceived and created the epic theatre work Penumbra, which makes its professional debut this Friday as part of the Auckland Festival, AK07.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Very early in the morning. I've learnt to trust that and not to worry too much at night. Think and do other things at night, then get up in the morning and plan.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
In my work: clear, clean, always lively, a beautiful mix of the comic and heartfelt. Restrained.

Who would you most like to write something for or direct?
That's a good question. I always wanted to direct Peter Bland in King Lear with his son Carl Bland as the fool. Carl Bland in anything.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Working collectively. Seeing a piece of work move and be shaped by multiple forces to become a completely new thing.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
The environment is everything. I like making work in Wellington. It's small, there are few distractions so there is a big space to dream. On Penumbra the resources and wairua of Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School have been critical to making a work this big.

Penumbra has been a number of years in the making. In what ways has it evolved most since the initial idea?
Jade Eriksen (the other director) brought on board a rigorous and thrilling approach to researching roles and storytelling. That has had the biggest effect on shaping the storytelling languages.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Big picture. I'm selective about which details I look for, but I do look for them.

Describe the ways in which your childhood play has influenced how you work as an adult.
I played a lot of soccer as a kid; acting out scoring goals in World Cup finals - the sound of the crowd - the commentary. It is still with me - the fun of playing the thing you're playing.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Penumbra without question. It is a dream come true to work in a real collaborative environment with peers. Also to tell a story about our whenua that mixes the personal and social, the visual and the naturalistic.

You studied under the world-renowned theatre teacher Philippe Gaulier - in what ways has this influenced your own teaching style and philosophy?
Gaulier gave me eyes to see performance. From him I learnt to see when an actor had a connection to material and how to find that. He also is a great and compassionate teacher and that inspires me to be a better human being. Phillipe also taught that we each have our own unique 'pleasure' or 'joy' and that has encouraged me to keep being true to myself more and more. To try and become more of myself. Gaulier is also one of the freest and funniest people I've ever been with. He made me want to enjoy work more.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Architecture. I love buildings and space in relation to the human form.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Lake Rotoiti where I had many great holidays as a child. The great connection of family and friends. The spirit of abundance. Long dinners discovering connections.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Very loud in the car because you can get all the dynamics of the sound combined with your own locomotion.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Not a lot worth looking at.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Meditate.

What's your favourite word?
Manakitanga.

What's great about today?
I love my wife and kids, and I am growing closer to my friends. I'm working with people I love and respect.

What do you hope audience members will gain from seeing Penumbra?
To remember their own stories and relate those across time. To see and feel the richness and diversity of our heritage but to feel how sweetly it's woven. To have the pleasure of following a family over generations. To remember how far we've come. To love piecing the puzzle together. To feel how our lives are influenced by the actions of our forebears.

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams

6/3/07