November 26, 2014

PERSONAL STATEMENT re CTTA 2014 Nominations

John Smythe      posted 26 Nov 2014, 12:15 PM / edited 26 Nov 2014, 12:17 PM

For the first time in 16 years of being on the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards judging panel I feel compelled to make a personal statement. 

First let me be clear that all nominees have certainly achieved the level of excellence worthy of their nominations. And as always there are many others who could equally have earned nominations without the slightest embarrassment to the integrity of the awards. 

What does embarrass me this year, however, is the complete absence of Multinesia’s Black Faggot from all categories. By manifesting so much insight and truth through so many characters on a bare stage with no props or costume changes, its writing, directing and performances set the bar very high early in the year and the production remains very high in my estimation. 

Indian Ink’s Kiss The Fish has nominations for its script, music composition, costume design and acting in three categories, so I am bemused that it is ‘missing in action from’ the directing (Justin Lewis) and production of the year categories.

Let me also place on record that the third great highlight for me this year, amid all the splendid work, was Destination Beehive which excelled on all levels – as proved by its extended season and 97% ticket sales.

These are the three productions that, for me, most exemplify creative excellence and originality on Wellington stages this year (to date). While its ‘par for the course’ that deserving talents and productions miss out on CTTA nominations every year – such is the tyranny of democracy 😉 – I have felt compelled to speak out this year. Thanks for ‘listening’.