Staff Reporter
Auckland, September 6, 2021
Things That Matter and The Haka Party Incident waiting in the wings
“Things That Matter”
At a time when matters of life and death consume the headlines and our thoughts, Auckland Theatre Company says that it is proud to present the illuminating ’Things That Matter.’
What does a healthy New Zealand look like?
Things That Matter
While working on the frontlines at Middlemore Hospital, Dr David Galler asked this question in his best-selling memoir, ’Things That Matter: Stories of Life & death.’
Adapted for the stage, award-winning playwright Gary Henderson masterfully weaves Galler’s compassionate insight on the real and important stories of patients and the stark realities of the New Zealand healthcare system with stories of his life, and that of his Jewish- Polish immigrant parents.
Inspirational and life-affirming, ’Things That Matter’ shines a light on the importance of humanity and the challenging decisions that doctors, families and society face.
Just as Anapela Polata’ivao’s production of Things That Matter was to first see an audience, the rug was pulled and the cast had to head home.
Dr David Galler attended the final dress rehearsal and was delighted, reporting he found it very moving. Auckland Theatre Company hopes to bring ‘Things That Matter’ to the stage on rescheduled dates in October.
The Haka Party Incident
Award-winning The Haka Party Incident returns after a sold-out premiere season.
This is a return season of Katie Wolfe’s extraordinary production of The Haka Party Incident opening on October 2, 2021 before a national tour.
The hope is that the alert levels will change for the tour to go ahead.
The Haka Party Incident resurrects the eventful day when a group of University of Auckland Engineering students rehearsing their annual tradition of a mock haka are confronted by the activist group, He Taua.
The incident sent ripples through the nation and changed race relations in New Zealand forever.
Crafted by film-maker and theatre director Katie Wolfe (The Mooncake and the Kumara, Waru, He Mangai Wahine, Artefact), The Haka Party Incident is verbatim theatre that innovatively combines documentary and kapa haka to thrilling effect.
Provocative, resonant and unforgettable. A not-to-be-missed landmark theatre event.
In order that Auckland audiences have the chance to witness this extraordinary retelling of an important part of our city and nation’s history, tickets to the return Tamaki Makaurau season are priced between $29 and $34. If you are able to offer extra support, you may consider booking a ‘Seat + Support’ ticket for $49 per person.
Original season co-presented by Auckland Arts Festival
