See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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SHORT & SWEET DANCE FESTIVAL 2016
SHORT + SWEET DANCE 2016 - SEASON 1: Strong contrasts in Short + Sweet Dance Season 1
TAPAC - The Auckland Performing Arts Centre, Auckland
Jazmine Cox, Grace Woollett, Xavier Breed, Santana Schmidt, Elijah Kennar, Sarah Mills,
Leighton Rangi, Rochelle Mangan, Jenny de Leon
- reviewed by Chloe Klein

Rochelle Mangan’s solo Real? is an incredible (and sometimes gratifyingly hard-to-watch) display of contortion-like strength and flexibility woven into feelings of confusion and madness. Opening vulnerably under the spotlight as accusations of stupidity and worthlessness worm themselves from the recording into her body, Rochelle goes on to perform with character and incredible physical endurance. Sustained upside-down performance, as well as seemingly impossible positions and images hold the audience conflicted: I want to look away, but can’t. The work has a dramatic and theatrical flavour and is a refreshing contrast in the programme.

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ORPHANS: A powerful and deep-felt experience
BATS Theatre, The Propeller Stage, 1 Kent Tce, Wellington
By Lyle Kessler 
Directed by Stella Reid 
Produced by Jimmy O'Donovan
- reviewed by John Smythe

As the director Stella Reid has skilfully aligned her ideal cast to the text and each other, and kept a steady hand on the often volatile rhythm and pacing as it builds, in the second half, to a conclusion that demands we confront the bigger picture.

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THE ABSURDITY OF HUMANITY: Humanity - flawed, perhaps tragically, perhaps comically
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Choreographer (Matter):    Ross McCormack
Choreographer (Whispers from Pandora’s Box):    Lina Limosani
Composer:    Jason Wright
- reviewed by Paul Young

Jason Wright’s muscular score moves with the dancers. It could be described in terms of mass, direction, and texture. It alters the space as if sound were made of matter, as if it has its own body. Astounding! The world of Matter is a total triumph of collaboration, light, sound, and ultimately… vision.

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NO POST ON SUNDAY: A fine example of Kiwi commedia
Circa Two, Wellington
Devised by the company 
Directed by Isobel MacKinnon 
Presented by Everybody Cool Lives Here
- reviewed by John Smythe

The title – No Post on Sunday – tells us we’re in nostalgia territory, back in the days when snail mail was delivered six days a week. And we’re only minutes into the play when we realise this small town called Smithville still has a post office.

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FLOCK: Brave, interesting and fresh
Auckland Old Folks Association. 8 Gundry Street (off K' Road), Auckland
Presented by Castle 13 & Genevieve McClean
- reviewed by Candice Lewis

The performance begins with the poets gathered in one corner. They stand with twitching shoulders on a flour-covered stage dressed in black, humming like an ominous, rhythmic clothes dryer. The jerky movements bring Zombies to mind. One of the seven is not humming ...

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I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI (THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES): A feast for lovers of bel canto opera
Canna House, Days Bay, Wellington
Music: Vincenzo Bellini 
Libretto/Words: Felice Romani 
Musical Director & Pianist: Rosemary Barnes 
Producer: Rhona Fraser
- reviewed by Sharon Talbot

Andrew’s innate acting ability has always been her greatest asset. Her fluid, well-focussed voice is now developing in power and fire, and especially in brilliance at the top. But what stands out about Andrew’s performances is how she lives each role.

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THE ABSURDITY OF HUMANITY: A sensitive exploration of our humanity and mortality.
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Choreographer (Matter):    Ross McCormack
Choreographer (Whispers from Pandora’s Box):    Lina Limosani
Composer:    Jason Wright
- reviewed by Dione Joseph

The Absurdity of Humanity is a powerful and compelling commentary on the human condition and it should not be missed.

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CORIANDER’S YOGA(ISH) SHOW: Coriander strikes a yoga pose and wins the Bats audience
BATS Theatre, The Heyday Dome, 1 Kent Tce, Wellington
Written and Performed by Jess Brien 
Directed by Imogen Prossor
- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

For decades now, people have been involved in the practice and art of yoga and, over the years, many different types and forms of yoga have spawned up, including Hot Yoga and Laughing Yoga. But it is highly unlikely that there have been many Spicy Yoga classes around.

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THE ABSURDITY OF HUMANITY: Created and performed with passion and nuance
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Choreographer (Matter):    Ross McCormack
Choreographer (Whispers from Pandora’s Box):    Lina Limosani
Composer:    Jason Wright
- reviewed by Chloe Klein

Matter offers a series of striking and provocative images - bodies walking through the air, a body with an upside down head, two-storey people poles - some of which are so mesmerising. The way the set, lighting, and sound elements are coordinated with these moments provides a depth and texture that resonates deeply and stirs the soul.

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GISELLE - THE ROYAL NZ BALLET: Poetry in motion in iconic tale
Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
Choreographers: Ethan Stiefel and Johan Kobborg (after Petipa)
- reviewed by Sheree Bright

Theophile Gautier originally created Giselle in 1841 inspired by the Romanticism and his infatuation of the great ballerina muses of the time, Marie Taglioni and Carlotta Grisi. If the “essence of ballet is poetic” as Gautier has said, RNZB’s Lucy Green as Giselle is the essence of ballet. While there may be ballerinas who have higher arabesques, etc, Green's performance is beautifully poetic. She gently holds the audience with her engaging expressions and full body commitment, completely inhabiting Giselle’s character. With subtle delicacy and silky smooth movements, she expresses the entire range of Giselle’s emotions. There is no ‘position here, position there’. With Lucy Green, the performance of Giselle flows like a long, silk ribbon, as one poetic movement.

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THE MEASURES TAKEN: Entertaining, thought-provoking and delivering feedback to Council
Regent Theatre, Greymouth
Script: Paul Maunder 
Music: Heather Fletcher 
Director: Jason Johnson 
Production: Kiwi/Possum Productions and Waiata Koha
- reviewed by Karen Grant

After the play the audience is invited to further consider and discuss ideas with the cast and the collective feedback from the audiences at each show will be compiled and presented to Council.

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See more recent reviews at theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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