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

 A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including Death By Cheerleader, I, George Nepia, and Strange Resting Places.

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BATS, Wellington - DEATH BY CHEERLEADER: A nudge is all it needs

- reviewed by John Smythe

With acting, dancing and directing talents like this, what a pity the devised script doesn’t quite match them. Oh it’s fun all right, and a splendid vehicle for high energy performance, some wicked humour and a bizarre twisted ending.

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Aotea Centre at THE EDGE, Auckland - CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA AND PAGLIACCI: Two magnificent stories for the price of one

- reviewed by William Dart

NBR New Zealand Opera’s coupling of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci is a thriller double bill, unified into a stylish Sicilian saga of lust, violence, murder and memorable music.

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Circa Two, Wellington - I, GEORGE NEPIA: Lyrical tribute to Nepia

- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

Hone Kouka has written a lyrical and deeply affecting tribute to Nepia. He entrusted his exquisitely written script to director Jason Te Kare and actor Jarod Rawiri and together these three make a formidable team.

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Te Puna Wanaka Marae, CPIT, 60 Madras Street, Christchurch - STRANGE RESTING PLACES: Flawless precision with generosity, freshness and energy

- reviewed by Lindsay Clark

It is not often that remembered pleasures are as rich the second time around, but, revisited, the warmth and humanity of this piece is, if anything, more compelling than when the same team delivered it in Christchurch in July 2007.

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The Playhouse Theatre, Hamilton - RELEASED: An intimate experience between performers and audience

- reviewed by Brenda Kidd

Sometimes in life a little is a lot, it is the undertone and nuance of experience that informs. This is how I felt on leaving Released.

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BATS, Wellington - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS #2: Political targets well hit

- reviewed by John Smythe

Much is made, this time, of the distraction the Rugby World Cup allows when it comes to ramming through unpopular policies. Indeed the through-line premise for this one is that the leaders’ debate on television is timed to coincide with the NZ v France match ...

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Opera House, Wellington - KOWHITI DANCE 2011: An evening of dedication and dance

- reviewed by Greer Robertson

Either as a solo, duo, or group ensemble, a colourful, cultural combination of Maori, Pacific Island and African dance is celebrated. From the graceful garland adorned hula of Hawaii, to the traditional Maori kapa haka; there is something for everyone as dance, a universal language, exchanges an emotion, possessing an energy that requires no dialogue.

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Basement Theatre, Auckland - DEATH BY CHEERLEADER: A madcap, semi-clad, pom-pommed, psychotic romp

- reviewed by Lexie Matheson

Who cares, though, when you can go there to experience The CheerBlacks, an energetic, funny, talented and downright nasty, tarty trio of trouble. Who cares when the talent on offer far outstrips any issues with the venue as is certainly the case with Death by Cheerleader.

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Downstage Theatre, Wellington - TE RADAR’S EATING THE DOG: A trip off history’s beaten old track

- reviewed by Laurie Atkinson

When Te Radar first appears in the Victorian antiquarian’s study that is the setting for his totally delightful history lesson, he looks like a well-dressed Harpo Marx, with his ginger hair sticking out from under a top hat. In the second half he comes on like a down-at- heel Noel Coward, wearing a dressing gown and holding a huge goblet of red wine.

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Aotea Centre at THE EDGE®, Auckland - CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA AND PAGLIACCI: First rate, top class, spellbinding

- reviewed by Adey Ramsel

Cav & Pag is New Zealand Opera’s production of the traditional pairing of one act operas Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. Praise, credit and kudos to a creative team on and off stage that not only produced one of the most enjoyable nights I have spent in a theatre, but also a seamless one.

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Downstage - return season, Wellington - TE RADAR’S EATING THE DOG: Entertaining and accessible portrait of New Zealand culture

- reviewed by Caoilinn Hughes

I saw a truly enthusiastic, vibrant and enlightening portrayal of New Zealand heritage and identity by a highly articulate and charismatic comedian, performer, educator and Kiwi ambassador. I saw audience members on the edge of their seats ...

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Basement Theatre, Auckland - THE FIRST ASIAN A* B*: Only a bit of rugby, but a lot of insights

- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

With a promising title, perfect timing and a killer concept, you might expect playwright Renee Liang to be a contender in Plays of the Week. But anyone who feels the national game hasn't been getting enough attention lately will be disappointed to find that The First Asian ABis not really a play about rugby.

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St James Theatre 1st Floor Gallery, Wellington - IN FLAGRANTE: Stylishly sexy, not sleazy

- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

For those that have a thing for leather but not in the form of an oval ball, or get excited at the sight of naked flesh other than Sonny Bill Williams stripping off on a rugby field, then In Flagrante, currently playing in the upstairs Gallery at the St James Theatre, is the show to see.

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Opera House, Wellington - BLACK GRACE: VERSE 2: Unfaltering energy

- reviewed by Jennifer Shennan

Verses 2 has thematic contrasts yet consistent movement vocabulary across an energized programme of short works. The stamina, speed and precision of the performers are all to the max.

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

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