August 14, 2008

CONVERSATION with JAMES ASHCROFT [Nga Puhi/Ngati Kahu/Te Roto Huri] – BATS Theatre Monday 25 August, 7pm

CONVERSATION is a series of monthly conversations with leading theatre artists and practitioners. CONVERSATION aims to create an environment for artists and audiences to share frankly and personally about theatre and what it means to us – to challenge some of our thinking about our motivations, the work and its value.

Christian Penny [Head of Directing and Associate Director – Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School] this month interviews James Ashcroft [Tumuaki/Artistic Director of Taki Rua Productions and award winning performer and producer] about his work, motivations and dreams, and invites response/conversation from industry and audience.

James is a graduate of Victoria Universities Theatre and Film department and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, has twice served internship with leading New York experimental theatre company the Wooster Group and is currently awaiting internship with Robert Lepage’s theatre company, Ex Machina, Canada. His recent work includes Black Sheep (Live Stock films), Settling (BATS), Yours Truly (BATS), The American Pilot (Circa), Two Brothers (Circa), SEEyD Theatre’s The Brilliant Fassah (Circa), Guantanamo (Centrepoint Theatre), Insiders Guide To Love (Gibson Group), Outrageous Fortune (South Pacific Productions), Dead Letters (Quarter Acre Pictures), Fish Out Of Water (International Film Festival), King Kong (Big Primate Productions) and Hui Hopping (Radio NZ). Hear about what drives James in his work with Taki Rua and experimental theatre lab, A Slightly Isolated Dog.

There will be no admission charge but we will be asking for koha towards costs. We are not pre-booking seats so admittance will be on first come first served basis. If you have any questions please contact Briar on 021-2711002 or briarmonro@clear.net.nz 

You can now listen to CONVERSATIONS on TBI. Follow this link http://www.thebigidea.co.nz/article.php?sid=5931&mode=thread&order=0 to hear Jo Randerson talk about her roots, the early shows of Barbarian Productions and the importance of difference and danger in artists and artistic process.