May 26, 2010

CIRCA THEATRE READING FOR ADAM NZ PLAY AWARD WINNER 

An unknown fact in our country’s history is the profound impact the early colony of Akaroa had on artist Charles Meryon. On return to his native France, struggling to survive as an artist, he was compelled to depict waka over the skies of 1860s Paris in his striking etchings.  

Stuart Hoar has taken a creative leap and re-imagined Meryon haunted by images of Aotearoa, in his Adam NZ Play Award winning play, Pasefika.

The play is to have a professional reading at Circa Theatre this month with Peter Hambleton as Meryon; celebrated actor George Henare taking the role of poet Baudelaire, colleague and friend to Meryon; Aroha White and Nikki MacDonnell as the women in their lives, and Susan Wilson directing. Susan has directed several of Stuart’s plays at Circa Theatre including Rutherford, The Facemaker and Bright Star and Playmarket is pleased to continue Circa’s association with Stuart’s writing. 

The reading will take place June 12, 2pm at Circa Theatre for a koha entry.  

Drinks and presentation of the award to follow.

This is the third year of the annual award (formally known as the Playmarket New Play Award) open to any new unproduced New Zealand play. We are very grateful for the generosity of the Adam Foundation, Circa Theatre and the Museum Hotel.