• 
• 

It’s been 15 years in the making but finally The Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre has arrived in Auckland for a two week season at The Basement from July 10.

It’s been 15 years in the making but finally The Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre has arrived in Auckland for a two week season at The Basement from July 10.

The Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre showcases the best up and coming young talent in a triple-bill of 50 minute plays which will be staged in Auckland and Wellington simultaneously. Mentored by top theatre professionals, the cast and crews are made up entirely of 15-25 year olds who have the passion and the potential to make great NZ theatre.

The Young & Hungry Festival of New Theatre began at BATS in 1994. Since then they have produced over 40 new New Zealand plays for the BATS stage and launched 100’s of careers in the Theatre.

This year’s programme includes three plays which have been commissioned especially for the festival by New Zealand playwrights Georgina Titheridge, Vivienne Plumb and Miria George. They have all produced work which reflects NZ youth culture.

Oyster is a quirky, funny and ultimately moving story.Dolores Romero sings like an angel; Gaia wants to save the world and Napolean wants to travel far away from it; Velma is into cruelty-free pork, Lelani wants to beat her up and Chevy thinks he can explain everything. They all want to know who they are, and where they belong in this big wide world.

Sit On It is a comedy for chicks, dicks and anyone who has ever wondered why girls spend so much time in the bathroom. The play is a hilarious peek into a very private world. Set entirely in the ladies toilet of a trashy nightclub and awash with witty dialogue and authentic characters.

Urban Hymns is a story of survival and greed, art and music, drugs and crime. Money talks in Joseph’s neighbourhood and the market place rules. But when he can no longer make the cut Joseph turns to Tobias and together they make the first worst decision of their lives.

Young and Hungry arose out of a need to provide young people with the opportunity to gain hands on experience of theatre within a professional structure. Since then it has transformed into an independent production company focused on advancing youth interest in all areas of theatre practice and education.

“Theatre by young people for young people and supported by the best the industry has to offer is an exciting addition to the Auckland theatre scene. The plays are fresh and exciting, the actors are having a ball and we hope the audience will eat it up.” Says Lynne Cardy, ATC Creative Development Manager.

Young and Hungry has helped to launch the careers of some great New Zealand performers. Past participants include Taika Waititi (Two cars, one night), Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) and Michelle Ang (The Tribe, Outrageous Fortune).

The Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre

July 10 - July 25

Auckland
The Basement, Lower Greys Ave.

Wellington
BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce
Bookings: 04 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz

Shows are not suitable for children; contain drug references and offensive language.