Latest news with #CourtTheatre
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Civic Actor Studio uses theater techniques to help leaders open up to new opportunities
U of C Civic Actor Studio uses theater techniques to help leaders explore new skills U of C Civic Actor Studio uses theater techniques to help leaders explore new skills U of C Civic Actor Studio uses theater techniques to help leaders explore new skills The Civic Actor Studio is a four-day leadership retreat that is part of the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, which has made a profound difference in many lives. The educators, community leaders, philanthropists and more participating in the retreat share a common bond. "They're constantly pouring into others, they're constantly thinking about their own communities and how to make their neighborhoods more vibrant," said Joane Friedman of the University of Chicago. "They're adult learners who know their craft quite well and rarely get offered the chance to come in and think about themselves." So, together, these total strangers open up, learn who they truly are and how to bring new leadership skills back to their communities and jobs. The CAS "actors" read from dramatic texts and engage in exercises and discussions. They use techniques gleaned in part from UChicago's Court Theatre to explore sides of themselves even they didn't know they had. "We can think of all of our interactions like a stage. There's an audience," Friedman said. "We invite individuals to act out scenes from their own lives." Friedman said it helps people see that inside themselves they contain different characters. One may be stubborn, one may be energetic, one may be a listener. "It's getting people to begin to think about, who do I need in this moment for this scene in my life in order to advance the work I'm doing?" she said. Dr. Shaka Rawls has his dream job as the principal of Leo Catholic High School, his alma mater. He learned about CAS from a friend, but he didn't quite buy it. "My first impression of CAS was culture shock," he said. "I've never done theater. I am a very linear, brick-and-mortar principal." "He came in with his character, I'm the principal, the decision-maker, the one who knows what's happening all the time and telling others what to do," Friedman said. "It was my first opportunity to explore different parts of me," said Rawls. "Parts of me I struggled with trying to find space in my entire life. Parts of me I didn't like that I wasn't happy with." Rawls said he's discovered parts of him that are jealous when he looks at other Chicago high schools. "Of course I'm gonna be jealous when I want the best for my young men here at Leo High School," he said. "But I also look at the activist side, know I have to try to collaborate. I'm able to explore each of those characters, give myself permission to feel what I feel, and at different times access those characters." He said taking the stage has helped him bring out his empathy. "I came back to Leo clearer about the person in front of my staff, clearer about the person in front of my parents, and my students," Rawls said. "Also with a sense of vulnerability in front of each one of those audiences." And that is the key. Normally a program like this would cost hundreds of dollars, but thanks to fundraising it's free. To learn more about Civic Actors Studio, including the nomination process, send an email to civicengagement@ Do you know someone a person or place that brings you joy? We want to share your story. Send us your "Eye on Chicago" ideas using the form below (or clicking here):
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Critically Acclaimed Actor And Director To Helm Black Faggot
Press Release – The Court Theatre Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā, powerhouse actor and trailblazing creative Anapela Polata'ivao takes the director's seat for Black Faggot — the fearless and hilariously unfiltered play making its debut at The Court Theatre this month. Audiences are in for a raucously funny and emotionally raw ride, as Polata'ivao brings her signature insight and fierce compassion to this landmark production by award-winning playwright and producer Victor Rodger. Black Faggot was born from a moment of painful clarity. After witnessing a group of young people marching in a Destiny Church rally against same-sex marriage, Rodger reflected, 'At least one of those kids will be gay and feeling quite wretched about himself.' From this, he penned a series of (mostly) comedic, sometimes heartbreaking monologues that capture the kaleidoscope of queer Pasifika experiences in Aotearoa. Characters range from a closeted, flamboyant Destiny Church member reluctantly marching against civil unions, to a staunch and unashamedly proud gay man; from a fastidious Samoan lover distressed over a stained bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist boldly unpacking the meaning behind her newest piece, Cracker Wanna Poly. With razor-sharp humour, fearless honesty, and deep cultural resonance, Black Faggot is funny, filthy, tender, and unflinchingly real. A breakout hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has enjoyed multiple sold-out seasons in New Zealand and Australia. This new production stars Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Court Theatre favourite Jake Tupu (Palu (Ē Toru), Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promising an unforgettable experience packed with comic brilliance and heart. Anapela Polata'ivao is no stranger to telling powerful Pasifika stories. As a director, actor, and creative leader, she has long been a champion for Pacific voices on stage and screen. In 2024, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding service to the arts. Her recent role in Tinā — the debut feature film by Miki Magasiva — further cemented her status as one of Aotearoa's most compelling performers. Tinā, a love letter to Samoan culture and the transformative power of choral music, follows the journey of Mareta (Polata'ivao), a mother reeling from the loss of her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Taking a teaching job at a wealthy, predominantly Pākehā school, Mareta finds herself connecting with a group of students who, like her, are searching for healing. Her journey leads them all the way to the Big Sing National Choir Competition. Polata'ivao's performance was universally praised — a complex, emotional tour de force that anchored the film and underscored her extraordinary range. Now, with Black Faggot, she turns her focus to the stage once more, ready to deliver a production that is as provocative as it is profound.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Critically Acclaimed Actor And Director To Helm Black Faggot
Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā, powerhouse actor and trailblazing creative Anapela Polata'ivao takes the director's seat for Black Faggot — the fearless and hilariously unfiltered play making its debut at The Court Theatre this month. Audiences are in for a raucously funny and emotionally raw ride, as Polata'ivao brings her signature insight and fierce compassion to this landmark production by award-winning playwright and producer Victor Rodger. Black Faggot was born from a moment of painful clarity. After witnessing a group of young people marching in a Destiny Church rally against same-sex marriage, Rodger reflected, 'At least one of those kids will be gay and feeling quite wretched about himself.' From this, he penned a series of (mostly) comedic, sometimes heartbreaking monologues that capture the kaleidoscope of queer Pasifika experiences in Aotearoa. Characters range from a closeted, flamboyant Destiny Church member reluctantly marching against civil unions, to a staunch and unashamedly proud gay man; from a fastidious Samoan lover distressed over a stained bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist boldly unpacking the meaning behind her newest piece, Cracker Wanna Poly. With razor-sharp humour, fearless honesty, and deep cultural resonance, Black Faggot is funny, filthy, tender, and unflinchingly real. A breakout hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has enjoyed multiple sold-out seasons in New Zealand and Australia. This new production stars Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Court Theatre favourite Jake Tupu (Palu (Ē Toru), Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promising an unforgettable experience packed with comic brilliance and heart. Anapela Polata'ivao is no stranger to telling powerful Pasifika stories. As a director, actor, and creative leader, she has long been a champion for Pacific voices on stage and screen. In 2024, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding service to the arts. Her recent role in Tinā — the debut feature film by Miki Magasiva — further cemented her status as one of Aotearoa's most compelling performers. Tinā, a love letter to Samoan culture and the transformative power of choral music, follows the journey of Mareta (Polata'ivao), a mother reeling from the loss of her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Taking a teaching job at a wealthy, predominantly Pākehā school, Mareta finds herself connecting with a group of students who, like her, are searching for healing. Her journey leads them all the way to the Big Sing National Choir Competition. Polata'ivao's performance was universally praised — a complex, emotional tour de force that anchored the film and underscored her extraordinary range. Now, with Black Faggot, she turns her focus to the stage once more, ready to deliver a production that is as provocative as it is profound.
1News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Christchurch's Court Theatre makes grand return to the CBD
Christchurch's Court Theatre has made its grand return to the city, more than a decade after losing its home due to damage caused caused by the February 2011 earthquake. The original theatre, founded in 1971, was housed in the Arts Centre. A new location was found in Addington following the quake. Today, people queued to get a look at its brand new forever home, that cost $61 million to complete. The first reactions as people walked through the doors were all very positive. 'It's beautiful. I'm really excited to see lots of shows here,' one theatregoer said. ADVERTISEMENT 'It's just magical. It's such a moment for the city," another added. The state of the art facility on Gloucester St houses two theatres – one large auditorium that seats 377, and a more intimate space that seats 150. One of Christchurch's newest residents, days-old Elias, stopped by with his family to give it a once-over. "We thought we'd pop down and see the new opening, and I'm quite interested in architecture and was quite excited to see the building," his father said. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger described the project as a turning point for the city. 'Its return to the CBD is more than symbolic – it's a celebration of what we can achieve when we work together," he said. With the opening of its new home, the theatre is expected to grow significantly. It currently produces 20 shows annually with a combined audience of 120,000. ADVERTISEMENT Court Theatre executive director Gretchen La Roche said the new building "represents a transformative moment for the city's arts scene'. The first production in the new building, The End of the Golden Weather, opened last night. Artistic director Alison Walls called it symbolic and stirring. 'It feels beautifully fitting we open our new home with this deeply personal national story."
RNZ News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Court Theatre's new $61 million playhouse opens in central Christchurch
The new Court Theatre on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets. in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Court Theatre The long-awaited new home for Christchurch's Court Theatre has officially opened its doors in the central city, 14 years after the devastating quakes that drove it out of the Arts Centre. People turned up in droves on Sunday to get a first look inside the new $61 million playhouse on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets. The theatre had been in temporary lodgings in a shed in Addington since the 2011 earthquake. The new space featured a 377-seat main auditorium and a second 120-150-seat studio theatre. Incoming Court Theatre chief executive Richard Aindow, who takes up the role next month, said it was a significant day for Christchurch. "I'm feeling excited about the future of the Court Theatre. This space is very different from the one that the company was in for 14 years in Addington, it's a purpose-built home the first one in 54 years," he said. "There's so many spaces here that can be used, so much potential to bring the community in to do new things, just in the centre of the city a brand new home - it's exciting." Inside the new Court Theatre in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Court Theatre Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture & City Making director Jessica Halliday said she expected thousands of people through the Court Theatre's doors on Sunday as part of the Open Christchurch festival. "This is an incredibly high quality work of architecture... I'm thrilled when we build really beautiful, purposeful meaningful buildings in Aotearoa, I think sometimes we cheapen things and this is not cheapening things this is a brilliant place and it's going to be wonderful for anyone who loves theatre," she said. Liz Angelo-Roxborough said she lived in the Arts Centre for about 10 years where the Court Theatre was previously based, and travelled from Dunedin for the opening of the new building. "It's absolutely amazing, I'm really impressed. It's in a wonderful central position across from the library and near Te Pae. I think Christchurch is well-known for its love of the arts and it needs this support," she said. Inside the new Court Theatre in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Court Theatre Court Theatre board chair Steve Wakefield said the building would be a fantastic resource for the arts in Christchurch. "A theatre is a very complicated building and you design it from the inside out. We wanted it to be open to the community and to make sure that connection between the actors on the stage and the audience in the seats is as close and as intimate as possible, and that's an important part of creating theatre and making it successful," he said. "We also wanted to have a smaller, second theatre for emerging works, more fringe works, and children's performances, family shows, our wonderful Scared Scriptless comedy show that's been running for many years." The Court Theatre's opening season in the new venue begins with Bruce Mason's The End of the Golden Weather, which runs from 3 May to 7 June. Inside the new Court Theatre in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Court Theatre The show is directed by Lara Macgregor and stars New Zealand actor Sir Ian Mune as the narrator. The End of the Golden Weather is a coming of age story imbrued with nostalgia for a New Zealand childhood summer spent at the beach. That idyll plays out as the realities of the outside world and approaching adulthood start to seep in. Culture 101 spoke with Sir Ian Mune during rehearsals last week and began with a reading of the play's famous opening scene setter. "Theatres are a very risky business, and what Christchurch has done is they have secured this theatre, there will always be a professional theatre in Christchurch, well done," Sir Ian said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
