ILBIJERRI Theatre Company & Te Rēhia Theatre Company

11–15 March • Waitākere Room, Aotea Centre Credits

Written by Band John Harvey & Brendon Boney Tainui Tukiwaho Mayella Dewis Laughton Kora Directed by

Rachael Maza & Producers Tainui Tukiwaho Nina Bonacci

Amber Curreen Set Design Laila Thaker Jacob Nash Production Manager Composition & Nick Glen Musical Direction Brendon Boney AV Mentor Sean Bacon Lighting Design Jane Hakaraia Audio Engineer Jake Luther AV Design James Henry AV Operators James Henry Sound Design Laughton Kora Stage Manager Casey Norton Costume Design Te Ura Hoskins Assistant Stage Manager Performers Nazaree Dickerson Company Manager Mark Coles Smith Jamara Maza Lana Garland Tawhirangi Macpherson Technical Consultant Lisa Maza Paul Lim Tuakoi Ohia Design Assistant Brady Peeti Hannah Murphy Tainui Tukiwaho Dalara Williams Dion Williams

2hrs 45mins approx. inc. interval BLACK TIES AUCKLAND SEASON SUPPORTED BY PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COVER: GARTH ORIANDER IMAGES: LUKE CURRIE RICHARDSON; TIFFANY GARVIE (bottom image, p2)

1 Artist Statements

RACHAEL MAZA Co-Director / ILBIJERRI’s Artistic Director

The big highlight for me is that I finally get to work with an all First Nations creative team, and what a team: Jacob Nash, Brendon Boney, James Henry, John Harvey, but especially my old and new whānau from New Zealand: Tainui Tukiwaho, Amber Curreen, Jane Hakaraia, Laughton Kora and Te Ura Hoskins. On and off stage this work is a celebration of who we are as Blackfullas and Māoris: the resilience, the humour, the passion; strong family and culture; thriving despite our shared experiences of colonisation.

I think about the trajectory of black theatre in this country to where we are today, and this cocktail of hard hitting/political. The humour has always been there – how else could we have survived?

JOHN HARVEY Co-Writer

When we started out on this journey we wanted to make a show that our Elders, our Aunties and Uncles – in fact all of our community – could enjoy. And in BLACK TIES we have spades of that! BLACK TIES celebrates our rich cultures and our connection across the water between our people.

ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is leading the way in creating paths for our stories on an international level, and the company is perfectly placed to embark on a bold First Nations collaboration of this scale thanks to the support of AsiaTOPA and MFI. I think as First Nations people, we often have conversations with our Māori sisters and brothers across the water, but rarely do we embark on these types of collaborations. It’s been an amazing experience for me as writer.

TAINUI TUKIWAHO Co-Writer / Co-Director

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

This whakatauki or proverb from home speaks to the importance of people and relationships to ngai Māori. BLACK TIES brings these relationships to the stage, blows them up, re-builds them, and allows us to love and laugh with our people from both sides of the ditch. We empower our people by bringing our mums, our aunties, our cousins to the stage and sharing what is important for them; it is family, it is laughter, it is music, it is kai! Whether we are fighting for our land and our language, mourning our loved ones or having a party, Top (pictured, from left): Amber Curreen, Tainui Tukiwaho, Dion Williams, Mark Coles Smith, Tuakoi Ohia, Laughton Kora, Mayella these same things remain. It is the ultimate act of self determination for us as first peoples Dewis, Brendon Boney, Lisa Maza, Dalara Williams. artists to create theatre at the scale of BLACK TIES for our people, by our people, and about Bottom (pictured, clockwise from left): Amber Curreen, Tainui Tukiwaho, Brendon Boney, Brady Peeti, Mark Coles Smith, Dalara Williams, Laughton Kora, LIsa Maza, Tuakoi Ohia, Tylor Wilson-Kokiri, Dion Williams, Tawhirangi Macpherson, Rachael Maza. what we think is important. We’ve started a mean party – can’t wait for everyone to join us.

2 3 Creatives

JOHN HARVEY RACHAEL MAZA TAINUI TUKIWAHO JANE HAKARAIA LAUGHTON KORA TE URA TARIPO-HOSKINS (Saibai Island) (Meriam Mer/Yidinji) (Te Arawa/Tuhoe) (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko) (Ngati Hau, Nga Puhi, Ngati Uriarau ki Co-Writer Co-Director Co-Writer / Co-Director Lighting Designer Sound Designer / Band Member Rarotonga) • Costume Design

John Harvey is the Creative Director of Rachael Maza is widely known for Tainui Tukiwaho has been a company Jane Hakaraia is a freelance theatre Laughton Kora has been playing music Te Ura Taripo-Hoskins graduated with Brown Cabs and is a producer, writer, and her wealth of acting, directing and director, producer, director, actor and and TV designer. Theatre companies since the age of six, appearing on stage a Diploma in Fashion Design from director across theatre and film. He is dramaturgical experience across writer of Māori theatre for a number she works with regularly include as part of his father’s band until he was Auckland’s University of Technology the writer of the highly acclaimed, Green the Australian film, television and of organisations over the last decade, Auckland Theatre Company, Bullet 17 years old, when he won Smokefree and is developing her career as a Room-nominated Heart is a Wasteland. theatre industry, most notably leading Te Rēhia theatre, Takirua and Te Heart Club, Silo Theatre and Massive rockquest. His band, Aunty Beatrice, young Maori and Indigenous Costume He has been a recipient of the Footscray the AFI (Australian Film Institute) Pou Theatre. His most recent directing Company. In theatre, she is known toured New Zealand and released a Designer and Stylist. She is passionate Community Arts Centre Writer-in- award-winning Radiance; the stage credits include Astroman, presented primarily for lighting design but, in single. He moved to Queenstown and about Maori and Indigenous Residence. In 2018 he was a recipient production of The Sapphires, in partnership with Te Rēhia Theatre the last few years, has expanded into formed Soul Charge with members storytelling and enjoys adding layers of the Malthouse Theatre Sydney presented for ABC’s Message Stick; and Auckland Theatre Company, Māori set design. She also works with Blue KP (Sunshine Sound System) and to characters’ stories through costume Myer Fund Tower Residency, creating and acting coach for the multi- language play He Tūrū Māu (2018), Bach Productions as Art Director on P Digsss (Shapeshifter). In 2001, he design and styling. She has worked a new theatre work. In the same year award winning Rabbit Proof Fence. Albert Belz’s Cradle Song (2018). He their TV offerings and is currently headed to Wellington and formed on a variety of local and international he was a recipient of Creative Victoria Her performances have also been has worked with Albert Belz as director working with Māoriland Film Festival Kora (2003–2012) with his brothers. productions, including: The Shannara Creators Fund. He currently has writing acknowledged with a Green Room and co-creator over many project in the design of their outdoor spaces Kora toured extensively with Kora to Chronicles, The Wilds, The Deadlands, commissions with Malthouse Theatre, Award and Sydney Theatre Critics since 2008 developing their distinctive at the Māoriland Hub in Otaki. In 2019, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Ahikaroa. Costume design for ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and has Circle Award. Maza first worked with comedic style. A Unitec graduate Hakaraia worked with all her favourite Japan, Singapore and the USA. Since television includes Ahikaroa and The a new work in development for Brown ILBIJERRI Theatre Company in 1992, as (2001), Tukiwaho multiple short theatre companies, including Te Rēhia 2012, Kora has forged ahead with his Ring Ins; for web series The Baby Cabs. In 2018, he directed a new theatre director of Stolen, and in 2008 joined films, television shows and theatre and Auckland Theatre Companies own solo project and has also formed Mama’s Club and I Date Rejects; and work, A Little Piece of Heaven, for Orana the company as Artistic Director. Since productions in Aotearoa and abroad to on Astroman, and Silo Theatre on duo Neon Ninja with Andy Keys (ex- most recently for Black Ties. Taripo- Arts. John has many accomplishments then she has directed iconic works his name as a performer. In 2011 he took Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, both for Opshop). Kora attended Toi Whakaari: Hoskins is also a long standing stylist in film, including producing feature film such as Jack Charles V The Crown on the challenge of playing legendary Auckland Arts Festival. She will also New Zealand Drama School and has a to Aotearoa’s very own Teeks. She has Spear; being a producer on The Warriors (2010), Foley (2011), and Which Way entertainer Billy T. James, for telemovie work on Half the Sky and Like a River, bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts. dressed him for various award shows, TV series, and producing numerous Home (2017). Maza’s contribution has Billy. Other notable roles include I Disagree with Massive, and Owls Do He featured on series two of Songs costume designed and advised on First Nation short dramas. He has also been recognised through multiple Tangiwai – A Love Story, as Dave’s boss Cry with Red Leap Theatre. Hakaraia from the Inside, with Don McGlashan, multiple video clips, and most recently directed documentary and short film awards, including the Touring in TV series Step Dave, and co-starring has a degree in design from Unitec Anika Moa and Annie Crummer, styled his press images and the release narratives for the screen. Legend Drover Award (2017) and the in feelgood fishing movieThe Catch, and undertook an honours degree in and starred in TVNZ’s drama series of his new album for Sony. Taripo- Australia Council of the Arts Award for as a man trying to win a Kaipara fishing design at AUT. Coverband. Kora was sound designer Hoskins is bilingual and bi cultural and Theatre (2019), as well as an Honorary contest. His latest work includes The on Amadeus and Astroman with brings these skills to all her projects. JACOB NASH Doctorate of Performing Arts from Sounds (2019), the Australian Channel 7 Auckland Theatre Company. (Murri) Edith Cowan University (2019). comedy Fam Time (2019) and The Gulf Set Designer (2018). Fluent in te reo Māori, Tukiwaho also hosted Māori Television talk show Jacob Nash graduated from the National JAMES HENRY O Whakaaro and featured in te reo Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Design (Yuwaalaraay and Yorta Yorta) Māori drama Kōrero Mai. Course in 2005. In 2010, he designed AV Design the set for Bangarra Dance Theatre’s of earth & sky and received a Green James Henry is involved in many BRENDON BONEY Room Award for Best Design in Dance. aspects of the music industry, from (Wiradjuri/ Gamilaroi) He was appointed Artist-in-Residence singer/songwriter to sound engineer Composer / Musical Director at Bangarra the following year and is and musical director. His diverse skill now Head of Design. Nash received a set has seen him perform as a guitarist Brendon Boney is a recording and Green Room Award nomination for his on the Black Arm Band tour of the UK, performing artist, touring the world as unique set design for Bangarra’s season and as a choir member and guitarist part of the act Microwave Jenny for of Belong (2011) and has designed as part of Archie Roach’s Into the the past decade. He has composed sets for each of Bangarra’s annual Bloodstream tour. His composition for and performed at festivals such productions since. This year he was skills have attracted commissions from as Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Festival, awarded a Helpmann Award for ’Best City of Melbourne to compose for Festival of the Sun and The Aussie Scenic Design’ for his powerful and experimental medias. Henry was also BBQ (UK). Theatre credits include evocative set in Bennelong. Nash was musical director of Tanderrum for the Dubboo Bangarra Dance Theatre the specialist production designer and 2014 Melbourne Festival, and AFL’s (David Page Fellowship), Winyanboga creature designer for season one of Dreamtime at the ‘G performances. Yurringa Belvoir Theatre (Composer the critically acclaimed sci-fi TV drama James has also worked with ILBIJERRI and Sound Designer) and Black , and production designer as sound designer for the 2017 touring Cockatoo Ensemble (Assistant Music and creative designer for season two. production of Coranderrk. Supervisor and Sound Design).

4 Cast

JACK CHARLES MARK COLES SMITH LANA GARLAND (Boon Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung) (Nyikina) (Te Atiawa) ‘Uncle Mick’ ‘Kane Baker’ ‘Sylvia Tapuwera’

Uncle Jack Charles is a beloved and Mark Coles Smith is a Helpmann Lana Garland has been working as respected elder, an actor, musician, Award winner, for ’s The an actor for over 20 years both in potter, writer and gifted performer. He Drover’s Wife, and has twice been theatre and on screen in Aotearoa, is acknowledged as the grandfather nominated at the AACTA Awards, New Zealand. She’s probably best of Aboriginal theatre in Australia and for Last Cab to Darwin and Pawno. known for appearing on television co-founded the first Aboriginal theatre He also won a Film Critics' Circle in Aotearoa every evening for seven company, Nindethana Theatre, with of Australia Award for Last Cab to years on ‘Food in a Minute’. Garland Bob Maza in 1972. Charles’ acting Darwin. Most recent screen credits has worked with Te Rēhia theatre career spans over six decades and include Channel Nine’s Halifax; presenting the highly popular musical has touched many across the globe. ABC’s Les Norton, KGB and Shaun drama Raising the Titanics at festivals He has showcased his work in many Micallef's Mad as Hell; and Lucy throughout New Zealand. What nations including Ireland, Japan, New Durack’s writing debut, Lift. Smith excites her most is the potential of Zealand, the United States. His early also presented the ABC documentary theatre and storytelling to affirm, career highlights include Cradle of Will Australia Ever Have a Black reflect and transform our community. Hercules (Old Tote Theatre); Ben Hall and Prime Minister? An in-demand voice Garland has been fortunate to have Rush (ABC TV); and the feature filmThe artist, he voiced the 2018 character been cast in many new Māori theatre Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith. In 2019, of Crash in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, works, helping to bring our Indigenous his memoir, Born-Again Blakfella, was for PlayStation. Smith also works as a stories and perspectives to the stage. released by Random house, and tells sound designer under the alias Kalaji, Being a part of this collaboration his extraordinary life story. which is a Nyikina word for ‘whirlwind’, between ILBIJERRI and Te Rehia His first major experimental work, theatre companies is a great next step Jack Charles V The Crown, co-written Night River, played at the 2019 in her journey and she can’t wait to by Charles and John Romeril, directed Yirramboi festival in Melbourne. share it with the world. by Rachael Maza, was first produced by He has produced across an array ILBIJERRI Theatre Company in 2010. of genres and projects, including TAWHIRANGI MACPHERSON An almost entirely autobiographical the sound for Which Way Home (Te Arawa, Tuhoe) work, Charles was able to bring the lived (ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, 2018). ‘Tama-Girl’ experience of being a member of the Recent theatre acting credits include Stolen Generation to the world with Bottomless (FortyFiveDownstairs); Tawhirangi “Duchess” Macpherson empathy and charm. The production both seasons of Bliss (Malthouse is an exciting emerging young talent won the Drovers Award for Best as and Belvoir); and The Man with the from Rotorua, New Zealand who is well as a Helpmann Award for Best Iron Neck (Legs on the Wall theatre currently studying drama in high Regional Touring Production in 2012. His company). Previous screen credits school. She received her first public recent credits include Gods of Wheat include the short filmMiro ; Picnic at review this year after she “impressively Street, Cleverman, Black Comedy, Play Hanging Rock; US series Hunters: Old played” Tatiana in a Māori adaptation School (ABC TV); the feature filmPan School, opposite Bryan Brown and of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We (Berlanti Productions, RatPac-Dune Sam Neill; ; are fortunate to be able to represent Entertainment); and Wolf Creek (Stan). American comedy Modern Family; the full strata of our large indigenous Hard Rock Medical and Miss Fisher’s families from youth to elders in this In 2009 Charles was awarded the Murder Mysteries, among others. play. Macpherson is a keen singer and Award at the Message performer who aspires to find a career Sticks Festival, honouring his lifetime in stage and screen. contribution to Indigenous media. He was the recipient of a Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and in 2016 was named Victorian Senior Australian of the Year. Most recently, Charles was awarded the 2019 Red Ochre Award at the National Indigenous Arts Awards, a prestigious honour that recognises his outstanding contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts in Australia and abroad. 7 About the Creators

LISA MAZA BRADY PEETI DALARA WILLIAMS DION WILLIAMS ILBIJERRI THEATRE COMPANY First Nations community. There is (Meriam/Yidindji/Dutch) (Te Ati Hau Nui A Paparangi, (Wiradjuri/) (Wiradjuri and Wokaman) is Australia’s longest established a growing hunger for ILBIJERRI’s ‘Ruth Baker’ Ngati Maniapoto) ‘Alethea Baker’ ‘Jermaine’ First Nations theatre company. We work across Australia and around ‘Shannon’ create, present and tour powerful the world, and we are committed to Lisa Maza has been acting and singing Dalara Williams graduated from Dion Williams hails from Echuca in and engaging theatre creatively continuing to develop meaningful professionally for more than 20 years. Brady Peeti is a Takatapui actor and the prestigious National Institute of country Victoria. He played the lead controlled by First Nations artists relationships with audiences through She recently acted in two world singer hailing from the Whanganui Dramatic Art in 2017. Dalara made her role of Ruben in the Jada Alberts’ that gives voice to our cultures. Born sharing the stories we are uniquely premier theatre shows written by First region. They have worked on multiple feature film debut in ’sTop play Brothers Wreck at the Malthouse from community, ILBIJERRI remains placed to tell. Nations Australians: Steven Oliver’s productions in and around the End Wedding, which premiered at the and Adelaide’s State Theatre, and grounded in telling the stories of From Darkness (La Boite – Brisbane Auckland region and was awarded the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, and she recently starred in a schools production what it means to be First Nations in Established in 2012, TE RĒHIA Festival 2019) and previously in Nathan NAPTA Award for “best supporting has recently completed production of Black Diggers / The Longest Australia today. ILBIJERRI supports THEATRE is a proudly Māori theatre Maynard’s The Season (Tasmania male actor in a musical” for their role as on her follow up feature, Victoria Memory for Complete Works Theatre self-determination for First Nations company, championing Māori Performs) in Sydney, Tasmania and Jimmy in Dreamgirls. Recent credits Wharfe McIntyre’s The Flood. Her Company. Williams’ acting career voices through programs that foster playwrights, tikanga Māori arts Melbourne, followed by a national include Auckland Theatre Company’s recent television credits include Get began when he won the role of Marlon emerging First Nations theatre practice and the presentation of our regional tour in late 2018. Maza was Astroman; Fine Fatale’s The Heels Are Krack!n and the third and fourth series in Chris Lilley’s Angry Boys. He was makers and industry professionals. diverse stories. Te Rēhia Theatre, awarded Best Supporting Performance Alive, programmed in the Cabaret of Black Comedy for the ABC, which a runner up in Melbourne Comedy ILBIJERRI works to reclaim First named in honour of the atua of leisure (Female) at the Tasmania Theatre Festival with Auckland Live; and a went on to win the 2018 Casting Guild Festival’s 2017 stand up competition Nations ways of working within is led by Amber Curreen and Tainui Awards in 2018 for her role in The directorial debut for Sinarella with the of Australia Award for Best Casting Deadly Funny. He has played roles in the Australian arts sector, through Tukiwaho based at Te Pou – The Season. She played Senior Constable Māngere Arts Centre. Brady’s single of in a TV Comedy. Williams’ short film large scale drama series including a programs and projects grounded Auckland home of Māori Theatre. Judy Bowden in TV Show True Story Allen Toussaint’s ‘It’s Raining’ made it to credits include Last Drinks at Frida’s recurring role in the primetime drama in deep listening with and for We’re passionate about te reo Māori (Radio Karate) directed by Tim Bartley, the top of the 2016 New Zealand Blues which premiered at the 2017 Sydney The Time of Our Lives and was a lead community and country. We (the Māori language) in theatre and and played a mother in short film Charts twice, and their “killer voice” and Film Festival and Origins. Her stage guest in , both for the engage purposefully and promote the exploration of innovative ways of Paper Cut (Finalist, Tropicana Film “soulful vocals” have been praised in credits include Winyanboga Yurringa ABC. He also played a lead role in the discussion around key issues facing telling Māori stories. Festival) directed by Virginia Gay. Maza productions including Dominion Road for Belvoir, and Blackie Blackie Brown Nine Network’s mini-series Gallipoli. has been associated with ILBIJERRI – The Musical, Larger than Life and The for the Sydney Theatre Company and Williams is also an accomplished Theatre since 1999, first as an actor Wizard of Otahuhu. the Malthouse Theatre. Whilst at NIDA athlete and footballer. in Stolen, then as tour manager for her stage credits included Realism, Chopped Liver. A Black Writers Lab Love and Money directed by Judy TAINUI TUKIWAHO MAYELLA DEWIS participant (from its inception in June Davis, The Season at Sasparilla and (Te Ararwa & Tuhoe) Band Member ‘Sarsaparilla’ 2010) and a VIPAA panel member for Twelfth Night. She was also awarded ‘Robert Tapuwera’ a few years, she is currently a board the Hazel Treweek Shakespeare Award Mayella Dewis is a multi-instrumentalist member. In 2009, Maza co-wrote and during her time at NIDA. Prior to NIDA, Tainui Tukiwaho, a Unitec graduate and vocalist. She considers her music performed in autobiographically- Dalara studied Aboriginal Theatre (2001), has multiple short films, as a tool to motivate aspiring musicians inspired show Sisters of Gelam (Ilbijerri at Western Australian Academy of television shows and theatre of all cultures and socio-economic Theatre/Malthouse), and co-wrote Performing Arts and performed in productions in Aotearoa and abroad to backgrounds. The industry has and performed the Black Sheep Crowbones and Carnivores. She also his name as a performer. In 2011 he took allowed her to draw on her 18+ years comedy show Glorious Baastards in performed as Goneril in The Shadow on the challenge of playing legendary of experience to work alongside 2010 (Ilbijerri/Melbourne International King, a reworking of Shakespeare’s entertainer Billy T. James, for telemovie numerous community initiatives Comedy Festival). tragedy King Lear as part of the Darwin Billy. Other notable roles include delivering development workshops Festival. Her professional acting debut Tangiwai – A Love Story, as Dave’s boss and mentoring programs such as the was starring in the Tiwi adaptation of TUAKOI OHIA in TV series Step Dave, and co-starring Human initiative – Creative Tracks. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ‘Hera Tapuwera’ in feelgood fishing movieThe Catch, Creative inspirations for programme – Wulamanayuwi and the Seven as a man trying to win a Kaipara fishing developnent are heavily influenced by Pamanui, directed by Eamon Flack, Tuakoi Ohia is a dynamic and exciting contest. His latest work includes The her Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, which toured nationally. young Māori actress in New Zealand, Sounds (2019), the Australian Channel 7 Malay, Dutch-Indonesian and German new to the entertainment industry but comedy Fam Time (2019) and The Gulf cultural roots. She is a firm believer in already securing some strong roles (2018). Fluent in te reo Māori, Tukiwaho BRENDON BONEY using her past and present experiences in TV and now in theatre. She was also hosted Māori Television talk show (Wiradjuri/ Gamilaroi) to propel her towards future musical recently cast in Māori TV’s Ahikāroa as O Whakaaro and featured in te reo Band Member ‘Tony’ endeavours. For Mayella Dewis, “music Dylan, a standout role in the bilingual Māori drama Kōrero Mai. See p4 for biography. is the rhythm to my life’s melody. They TV series. Along with her casting in complete each other”. BLACK TIES, this is the beginning

of what will be a continuing and LAUGHTON KORA (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko) successful career for this young wahine. Band Member ‘Blackie’ See p5 for biography.

8 Thanks & aaf.co.nz Acknowledgements #AKLFEST

Original concept developed by: Kamarra Bell Wykes, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Arts Festival is a place for ambitious Ph +64 09 309 0101 Albert Belz, Amber Curreen, John Harvey, Rachael ideas by storytellers, provocateurs and creators. Email [email protected] Maza & Tainui Tukiwaho. The Festival reflects our contemporary, cosmopolitan city with its many communities. Level 5, Wellesley Centre Special thanks to the following collaborators who It challenges artists and audiences to be bold and take a risk. Through the work of 44–52 Wellesley Street West contributed to the creative developments for artists of Aotearoa and across the world, we aim to unify, enlighten and inspire the PO Box 5419, Auckland 1141 BLACK TIES: Nelson Baker, Sermsah Bin Saad, Mark people of Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and our many visitors. Coles Smith, Erina Daniels, Kristel Kickett, Miriama McDowell, Jennifer Medway, Ngaire Pigram, Jarod A globally recognised celebration of art and culture taking place each March in Rawiri, Melodie Reynolds, Rickylee Russell-Waipuka, New Zealand’s largest city, AAF will be presented for the 12th time in 2020. Iain Sinclair, Regan Taylor, Maria Walker & Tyler The Festival has attracted nearly two million visitors to date. Wilson-Kokiri. Special thanks also to: Stephen Armstrong from AsiaTOPA for his faith and support from the very beginning; Wesley Enoch for his unwavering Patron Head of Programming Technical Manager Marketing & guidance and support; Louise Gough, Laura Milke- The Governor General, Dolina Wehipeihana Nick Tomlin Communications Director Garner, Tame Iti, Toi Iti and Te Rewarewa Marae. Her Excellency Thierry Pannetier Creative Associate Technical Administrator The Right Honourable Tama Waipara Anna Bennington Marketing & Dame Patsy Reddy, Communications Manager GNZM, QSO Senior Programme Manager Head of Staging Steph Walker Andrew Gibson Sally Woodfield BLACK TIES was commissioned by AsiaTOPA, a joint Board of Trustees Programme Manager – Head of Lighting Brand & initiative of the Sidney Myer Fund and Arts Centre John Judge (Chair) Toitū te Reo Abby Clearwater Content Creation Manager Melbourne. This project has been assisted by the Angela Clatworthy Ngatapa Black Tim Wong Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, Rick Carlyon Head of Sound Festival Publicist managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and Evan Davies Programme Assistant – Sandy Gunn Tess Marshall advisory body, in association with the Confederation Sarah Judkins Toitū te Reo Head of AV of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Sydney Graham Tipene Whetu Silver Simon Barker Communications & Festival, Perth Festival, Asia TOPA / Arts Centre Fred Ward Digital Marketing Assistant Programme Coordinator – Production Manager Melbourne, New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Auckland Angela Watson Jesse Carpenter Whānui Vicki Cooksley Arts Festival, and Brisbane Festival. BLACK TIES is also Noma Sio-Faiumu Marketing Assistant supported by Creative New Zealand and The Wilin Festival Front of House Camila Araos Elevancini Chief Executive Programme Coordinator – Centre for Indigenous Arts & Cultural Development. Manager David Inns Creative Learning Content ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is assisted by the Siân Tucker Amy Turner Marketing Assistant Australian Government through the Australia Council, Artistic Director Nahyeon Lee its arts funding and advisory body, and by Creative Jonathan Bielski Programme Coordinator – Access & Inclusion Marketing Intern Victoria and City of Melbourne. Business & Alex Lodge Stephanie Khoo Finance Manager Vanessa Zigliani Artist & Logistics Manager Partnerships Executive Megan Andrews Vanessa Morgan Accounts & ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Te Rēhia Theatre Payroll Administrator Artist Liaison Assistant Ticketing Manager Company acknowledge and pay respect to the Mirena Tomas Maria Williams Jillian Davey Country that we travel through and share stories Accounts Assistant Programme Administrator Ticketing Assistant on. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Desna Ahlam Michelle Wigg Charlotte Underhill Traditional Owners, Elders, Ancestors, and young leaders. We acknowledge, with full respect, the Executive Assistant strength of First Nations people and communities, Elizabeth Swinburn continuing to practice culture, and connection to Office Manager/ Country. We acknowledge, with full respect, the Partnerships Assistant power and excellence of First Nations people and Gill Saker communities fighting to protect and look after Receptionist/ Country, Community, Language and Lore, in the Office Assistant face of ongoing colonial interruptions and cultural Jesse Quaid genocide. Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land. Pou Tikanga Eynon Delamere 10 11 Festival Supporters

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— SUNDAY TIMES (UK) — THE STAGE (UK) Mouthpiece

Traverse Theatre Company By Kieran Hurley

ONE EDINBURGH. TWO VERY DIFFERENT CITIES. The hit show of Edinburgh Festival 2019, this award- winning sensation probes class, culture and appropriation. Frank. Unflinching. Unmissable.

19–28 March Rangatira Q Theatre

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 16+ SUPPORTED BY CONTAINS FREQUENT STRONG BOOK NOW LANGUAGE, DESCRIPTIONS OF VIOLENCE, SCENES OF A SEXUAL NATURE, REFERENCES TO AAF.CO.NZ SUICIDE, AND HAZE.