Latest news with #TheCourtTheatre
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Honouring The Past, Embracing The Future: The Court Theatre Foundation Welcomes Two New Trustees
The Court Theatre Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of renowned actor Mark Hadlow and long-time theatre advocate Jill Bromley to its board, marking a new chapter in its mission to support the legacy and future of The Court Theatre. Their appointments follow a planned succession, marking the retirement of respected chairperson Laura Palomino de Forbes, who steps down after nearly a decade of dedicated service." Mark, a celebrated figure in New Zealand's performing arts community (The Hobbit, King Kong, MAMIL), brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep connection to The Court Theatre. Jill, daughter-in-law of Yvette Bromley, the visionary founder of The Court Theatre, has had a lifelong relationship with the institution. Reflecting on her connection, Jill Bromley said: "Yvette Bromley, the founder of The Court Theatre, is my mother-in-law. Her son Richard and I were involved with The Court Theatre's plays from the beginning. While working in England in the early 1970s, we were tasked by Yvette to attend as many plays as possible and review them on their suitability for The Court Theatre. It has always been a special place for my family and me." The Foundation also acknowledges the exceptional contribution of Laura Palomino de Forbes, whose tenure brought invaluable expertise from the fund management sector. Over the past nine years, Laura has been instrumental in strengthening governance structures, building strategic stakeholder relationships, and ensuring financial sustainability. Her collaborative approach and dedication to transparency have significantly advanced the Foundation's impact. As part of this transition, the Foundation is pleased to announce that Hall Cannon will succeed Laura Palomino de Forbes as Chair. Hall, Managing Director and Owner of Otahuna Lodge, brings international board experience and a strong commitment to philanthropy. He is a passionate supporter of the arts and their potential to promote inclusivity and societal transformation, particularly for marginalised communities. The Foundation is also honoured to announce that Cilla Glasson has agreed to become the Court Theatre Foundation's Patron. Cilla brings significant experience in community health and governance, including her service as a board member of St George's Hospital and as Chair of the Cancer Institute Trust. She has also served as a volunteer trustee on three additional charitable entities. Commenting on her new role, Cilla said: 'I have always loved The Court Theatre, and when I was asked to join the Foundation, I felt it was an opportunity to become more personally involved. I enjoy the opportunities to give back to the community and support those less fortunate, and I look forward to contributing to an organisation that plays such a vital role in our cultural life.' The Court Theatre Foundation continues to be guided by a board of trustees committed to the long-term vision of New Zealand's leading theatre. The Foundation looks forward to this next phase of stewardship under the leadership and vision of its diverse and experienced board.
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.
RNZ News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Sir Ian Mune in End of the Golden Weather at new Court Theatre
culture arts 1:07 pm today The brand new long awaited home for The Court Theatre officially opens Saturday May 3 in Otautahi Christchurch. It is an impressive $61.4 million purpose-built home for New Zealand's largest professional theatre company. The new space features a 379 seat main auditorium and a second 150 seat theatre. It's a significant moment for the city: this major production house has been in temporary lodgings in a shed in Addington since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Centre mainstage for the opening production is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most beloved actors, directors and writers for theatre, film and television. Sir Ian Mune. He was knighted in 2024 in recognition of a 60-year career. Involved in our professional theatre since 1964, Sir Ian gained further attention when he co-wrote seminal film hits Goodbye Pork Pie and Sleeping Dogs in the 1970s, and went on to direct Came a Hot Friday in the 1980s, to name just a few iconic works. It's a work he adapted from stage to screen as a director in 1992 that sees him on the new Court stage. Sir Ian Mune is narrator in End of the Golden Weather, Bruce Mason's classic solo play, adapted as a full cast version by Raymond Hawthorne. Another great senior theatre figure, Hawthorne died on the fifth of April. 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's Mark Amery spoke with Sir Ian Mune during rehearsals this week and began with a reading of the play's famous opening scene setter.
