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Home , Nothing Personal (play), Rohan Rivett, Rupert (play), Soulmates (play)

ON— Vol. 1 No. 7 STAGE Jun 2015 thanks to our supporters

IPAL NC FUNDER S P R I

i ng

rtnerS s ent core funder re pa p

Director'S NOTE ty si rtner ver FUNDER Colin McColl pa i un s

r

E When I first picked up the script to ’s , I have to j o r

ort admit I was woefully ignorant of 's life and works, apart a m pp

u Proud to be NZ’s Most Awarded Official Caterers of Official Telecommunications from the fact that he was a media mogul and at the centre of the phone

s Winery and Sponsor of Auckland Theatre Company Partner Auckland Theatre Company hacking scandal. But I couldn’t put it down. It was funny, audacious and intriguing - not unlike Richard III. One of the perks of making theatre is that you get to explore a play’s subject and themes in great detail. And

s there was plenty to explore with this material.

ia David Williamson, Australia’s best known playwright, has offered us rtner rtner med jor venue up a delicious conceit with Rupert: a cabaret masterminded and cast by the pa a pa m man himself, giving us an entertaining version of his life. It’s certainly been entertaining and informative for myself and the actors to immerse

s ourselves in Murdoch's world, with his family and the characters he’s ng i chosen to tell his life story. rtner Port Huge thanks to everyone involved in the project: to our stellar cast who p u pa s play a myriad of characters (sometimes with a mere two or three lines to establish who they are) for their bold and very funny choices; to Stuart and

Damien in particular for their individual “takes” on Mr Murdoch; to my

s fabulous design and production teams. Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku Q Theatre Welcome to tabloid theatre! rtner

pa SKYCITY Theatre

2 0 15 v e n u e Enjoy. s

Colin McColl ctor

a ATC Patrons and Supporting Acts 2 0 15 Artistic Director, Auckland Theatre Company Benef

1 CAST Rupert Murdoch — stuart devenie Young Rupert Murdoch — damien avery Anna Murdoch/Pat Murdoch/ Rebekah Brooks/Ensemble — jennifer ward-lealand Ted Pickering/Banker 2/Rupert Henderson/Sir William Carr/Cudlipp/Sir John Kerr(v.o.)/ Clay Felker/Harry Evans/Barry Diller/Roger Ailes/Nick Clegg/Ensemble — simon prast Prudence Murdoch/Elizabeth Murdoch/Dame Elizabeth Murdoch/Dolly Schiff/ Margaret Thatcher/Loan Officer/Ensemble — hera dunleavy Lachlan Murdoch/Rohan Rivett/Kerry Packer/David Frost/Sommerfield/ Steve Dunleavy/ Kelvin McKenzie// Ensemble — adam gardiner Sir Frank Packer/Larry Lamb/Ronald Reagan/Marvin Davis/ Tony Blair/Ensemble — stephen lovatt James Murdoch/Clyde Packer/Lord Catto/Sarazen/ Asa Briggs/ Sir Thomas Playford(v.o.)/Ensemble — arlo Macdiarmid Wendi Deng/Banker 1/Douglas Brass/Staffer/J Addey/Ann Lane/Ensemble — JJ FONG

CREATIVE Director — colin mccoll | Choreographer — jeremy birchall Set Designer — john verryt | Costume Designer — elizabeth whiting Lighting Designer — phillip dexter Msc | Soundscape Designer — thomas press Audio Visual Designer — tom bogdanowicz | Cartoonist — Jeff bell PRODUCTION Production Manager — andrew malmo | Company Manager — elaine walsh Stage Manager — natalie braid | Assistant Stage Manager — katie edwards Technical Manager — bonnie burrill | Technical — abby Clearwater Props Master — becky ehlers | Set Construction — 2construct Stage Management Cover — eliza Josephson-Rutter

AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO thank the following for their help with this production: Simon Barker, Lotech Media, Jamie Blackburn, CP Solutions, Peter Elliott, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the original director Lee Lewis and the original cast (Marg Downey, Guy Edmonds, Daniela Farinacci, Simon Glesson, Bert La Bonte, HaiHa Le, Sean O'Shea, and Scott Sheridan) for producing the premiere production in any programme or publications.

The Kensington Swan season of Rupert is the fourth Auckland Theatre Company mainbill production for 2015 and opened on June 27th at Q Theatre. The production is approximately 1 hour 58 minutes with 20 minutes interval. Please remember to switch off all mobile phones, pagers and watch alarms.

33 2 3 David williamson Playwright

David Williamson has been Center as well as a season at the Australia’s best known and most Theatre Royal, Sydney). widely performed playwright for went on to a West End production the last forty years. His more than starring Madonna in the lead role. forty five produced plays include David's screen adaptations The best seat in the house , Don’s Party, , of his own plays include The , , Removalists, Don’s Party, The Club, Few places can truly be said to have it all. 132 Halsey is one of them. The location is without , , Money Travelling North, and Emerald City, and Friends, , Dead White along with his original screenplays parallel: a marina-side setting on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and part of Males, , The Jack Manning for feature films including Libido, Auckland’s most desirable new area, Wynyard Quarter. 132 Halsey offers a limited number Trilogy, , Up For Grabs, Petersen, Gallipoli, Phar Lap, The of premium apartments with spectacular views, luxurious comfort and easy connectivity to , Scarlett O'Hara At the Year of Living Dangerously, and Balibo the CBD and best city-fringe suburbs. On top of everything, you will enjoy all the benefits Crimson Parrot, , (as co-writer). For television he of neighbouring the brand new ASB Waterfront Theatre, including your pick of exceptional When Dad Married Fury, Managing adapted On The Beach. performances by the Auckland Theatre Company right next door. Carmen, and Rupert. David's many awards include 12 His plays have been translated Australian Writers’ Guild Awards, To schedule an appointment to view the display suite, call Willis Bond & Co on 09 377 4065 into many languages and 5 Australian Film Institutes’ Award or visit 132halsey.co.nz performed internationally, for Best Screenplay and, in 1996, including major productions in the United Nations Association of London, Los Angeles, New York Australia Media Peace Award. David and Washington (The Club in 1979 has been named one of Australia’s and Rupert in 2014 at the Kennedy Living National Treasures.

4

44952 Willis Bond Halsey ATC prog fp.indd 1 10/06/15 3:51 PM DAmien avery (Young Rupert)

Young Rupert is Damien's third thrown in for good measure. His recent appearance for Auckland Theatre theatre credits include One Man Two CAST Company's main bill. His first was the Guvnors, Wild Bees, A Midsummer Night's hapless victim Leo Irving in In The Next Dream, The Slapdash Assassin, The Mikado, Room (or The Vibrator Play) in 2012; his Postal and Snap! as well as some screen most recent was Theo Helmer in Emily work on Field Punishment No.1 and Hillary. Perkin's version of A Doll's House. Damien is thrilled to be working on Stuart Devenie Outside of ATC productions this fascinating journey through Rupert Damien has been traversing the Murdoch’s life with such a wonderfully (Rupert) country for theatre and screen work talented cast and crew. in Auckland and for The Court Theatre Damien is a proud member of New in Christchurch, with a tour to China Zealand Actors Equity.

During the past four decades Stuart adjudicates local, regional and national has worked as a radio drama producer festivals in Shakespeare. He has also for the NZBC; a television director had an extensive career in radio and Jennifer directed Fallout: The Sinking Of for TV ONE; Associate Director for television acting. Jennifer The Rainbow Warrior at The Basement. the Court Theatre, Artistic Director Stuart’s work for Auckland Theatre Ward-Lealand Jennifer was a founding board for the Court Theatre and Artistic Company over the past 19 years has member of the Watershed Theatre and (Anna Murdoch/Pat Murdoch/ Director for Centrepoint Theatre; an included workshopping, tutoring and a co-founder of The Large Group and Rebekah Brooks/Ensemble) equity committee member; an NZQA directing. Acting appearances include: The Actors' Program. She is currently drama expert panellist and an assessor A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mary Stuart, President of Equity New Zealand, for Creative New Zealand. He has August: Osage County, Romeo And Juliet, Patron of Q Theatre, and serves as a workshopped many new scripts for Four Flat Whites In Italy, The Pohutukawa trust board member of Arts Regional Playmarket both as an actor and a Tree, Disgrace, Take A Chance On Me, Since training at Auckland’s Trust, Silo Theatre, Clarence St Theatre director, acted and directed at both Copenhagen, Middle Aged Spread, Ladies’ influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer Trust, and Actors Benevolent Fund. Downstage and the Fortune theatres, Night, Caligula, Serial Killers, All My Sons, has worked extensively in theatre, film, In the 2007 New Years Honours List, and was a founding councillor for Twelve Angry Men, Molly Sweeney, Uncle television, musical and radio for over she was named an Officer of the New Circa Theatre. He is a licentiate of Vanya, Market Forces, Hatch: or The Plight 33 years. Zealand Order of Merit for services to Trinity College and has a Diploma in Of The Penguins, Death of A Salesman, The On stage her work includes theatre and the community. Adult Teaching. Stuart has tutored Cripple of Inishmaan, A Daylight Atheist, The Goat, That Face, Berlin, Brel (Metro www.jenniferwardlealand.com acting, vocal technique, and directing The Talented Mr Ripley, Cat On A Hot Tin Magazine’s #1 Cultural Experience for Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, Roof, and A Shortcut to . 2012) and The Book Of Everything for Silo Northland Polytechnic, and universities In 2007 Stuart was awarded an Theatre,Rita And Douglas for Armstrong and high schools throughout the MNZM for services to the theatre and Creative and Twelfth Night, Le Sud, August: country. He is an ambassador for in 2010 he was made an Arts Laureate Osage County and The for Auckland Shakespeare in Schools and regularly by the New Zealand Arts Foundation. Theatre Company. Most recently,

6 7 of a Salesman, The Rocky Horror Show, The Graduate and The Pillowman. Stephen Lovatt He recently appeared on stage as an Unemployed Man and a God for ATC in (Sir Frank Packer/Larry Lamb/ The Good Soul of Szechuan and as Thomas Ronald Reagan/Marvin Davis/ Cromwell in Anne Boleyn. On television, Tony Blair/Ensemble) he is about to play a man with more Simon Prast money than morals in Filthy Rich. Previous work for Auckland Theatre Simon is delighted to be a part of Company includes Fallen Angels and (Ted Pickering/Banker 2/ The Kensington Swan season of Rupert Stephen has performed in theatre, The Motor Camp. Particular highlights Rupert Henderson/Sir William Carr/ and has relished the opportunity to radio, television and cinema throughout including playing King James in Anne Cudlipp/Sir John Kerr(Vo)/ channel some of the most creative, New Zealand and Australia over the Boleyn, and Colonel Malone in Once On Clay Felker/Harry Evans/ destructive, corrupt, ambitious and last 27 years. Television appearances Chunuk Bair. Other theatre highlights Barry Diller/Roger Ailes/ unscrupulous people in modern history. include Top Of The Lake, Hope And Wire, include When The Rain Stops Falling, Nick Clegg/Ensemble) His one minor brush with Rupert's Harry, Spartacus, and 5 years as Max Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, Angels world occurred when Fox News doyen on Neighbours. Stephen has recently In America and The Only Child produced Bill O'Reilly actually responded on air finished playing Sir John Hunt in by Silo Theatre. Stephen was awarded to an email he sent in. Bill completely Great Southern Television’s soon to ‘Excellence In Performance’ at the 2014 avoided the topic and dismissed him out be released Hillary, a six part TV series For over 30 years, Simon has Auckland Theatre Awards for his work of hand, saying no one was interested in about Sir Ed. worked in this industry as an actor, throughout that year, and is a proud in Simon's extremist, left-wing liberal director, producer and agent. He was member of his union. views. To this day, Simon wears Bill's the founding director of Auckland fair and balanced condemnation as a Theatre Company and the Auckland badge of honour and dedicates the Fox Festival (AK03). His favourite directing News sequence you are about to see to credits include Twelve Angry Men, Death adam gardiner since then, his most recent appearances him and all he stands for. being in Other Desert Cities, Midnight In (Lachlan Murdoch/Rohan Rivett/ Moscow, Black Confetti, and In The Next Kerry Packer/David Frost/ Room (Or The Vibrator Play). Other recent Sommerfield/Steve Dunleavy/ stage credits include 360 - A Theatre Of Hera Dunleavy Kelvin McKenzie/Gough Whitlam/ Recollections and Sunday Roast. Screen Ensemble) credits include Brown Eye, Agent Anna, (Prudence Murdoch/Elizabeth A graduate of Toi Whakaari: Spartacus, the upcoming series Hillary, Murdoch/Dame Elizabeth Murdoch/ New Zealand Drama School, Hera and soon to be released feature films Dolly Schiff/Margaret Thatcher/ has worked for all of New Zealand's Born to Dance and The Patriarch. As well professional theatre companies. as voicing various monsters on Power Loans Officer/Ensemble) Originally from Wellington, Highlights include The Master Rangers, Adam recently narrated Owen Adam has produced and performed Builder, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Marshall’s Carnival Sky for National Radio. with various theatre and dance Proof, Top Girls, The Blue Room, and companies both here and overseas. for Auckland Theatre Company Uncle His first production with Auckland Vanya, God Of Carnage, The Crucible, Theatre Company was in 2003 with August: Osage County, Calendar Girls, performances in Play 2.03, Midnight In Moscow, and more recently New Gold Dream, and Ladies Night. He has Paniora! and Other Desert Cities. worked for the company on numerous productions and in various capacities

8 9 Arlo MacDiarmid (James Murdoch/Clyde Packer/ Lord Catto/Sarazen/ Thomas Playford(v.o.)/Asa Briggs/ Ensemble)

Since graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts, Arlo has performed with a and the yet to be released television Move in the right circles. multitude of theatre and production feature Venus and Mars. companies. His more notable Arlo is thrilled to be making appearances include roles in Ooh Baby his first appearance with Auckland Baby! (Co. Theatre Physical), A View Theatre Company in The Kensington from the Bridge (Peach Theatre Co.), and Swan season of Rupert, and has in the film, The Most Fun you can have thoroughly relished the opportunity Dying (Ten Cent Pictures) to explore a plethora of characters, He has featured in Power Rangers, work alongside a cast of overwhelming the Outfit Theatre Company's Sin, the talent, and delve into a script as daring Cannes selected short film Mad Pearse, as it is technically challenging. Arlo is a proud member of Actors Equity.

JJ Fong JJ was core cast in South Pacific Pictures' Go Girls (series 5) as Alice Lee, (Wendi Deng/Banker 1/ and is currently core cast on Step Dave, Douglas Brass/Staffer/J Addey/ as Betty. She also co-stars in and co- Ann Lane/Ensemble) produces webseries Flat3 directed by Roseanne Liang. She also has performed for the Get ahead with the latest Audi A7 Sportback. Court Theatre in Man in a Suitcase, and The Basement in Girl in Tan Boots, Sophistication and innovation arrive together in the class-leading A7 Sportback range. An athletic exterior directed by Janice Finn. makes a powerful statement from the outset, with a wealth of options allowing you to make your mark. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by the comfort and elegance of a luxurious interior. And as you take control Born and raised in New Zealand, you’ll appreciate the dynamic handling and effortless performance that has driven Audi to the very top. JJ is a talented singer, dancer, You can also earn and redeem Airpoints Dollars™ on the entire range.* So come and see what success looks choreographer and MC. like today. Visit an authorised Audi dealership or audi.co.nz/A6A7

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10 11 jeremy birchall

Choreographer

Since graduating from the Unitec Theatre highlights include the Co School of Performing and Screen Theatre Physical production of creative team Arts Acting Major in 1994 Jeremy has Ohh Baby Baby, the productions of been involved in the film and theatre Cabaret and Oliver with Auckland Theatre industries as an actor, dancer, director, Company, La Traviata and Carmen at the COLIN McCOLL choreographer and voice over artist. North Harbor Stadium. Most recently Jeremy danced with the Candy Jeremy has choreographed and toured Director Lane dancers for over 16 years and in the New Zealand productions of holds regional and national titles in The Pirates Of Penzance, Oklahoma and Aerobics and Hip Hop dance and while The Great Gatsby. Later this year Jeremy based in the UK during 2007 and 2008 will choreograph the Auckland Theatre Colin has directed for the Girls, On The Upside Down Of The World, performed in the show Hot In Havana Company production of Guys And Dolls. Norwegian National Theatre and the Mary Stuart, August: Osage County, and taught dance in the West End Jeremy is a proud member of New Dutch National Theatre, as well as The Pohutukawa Tree, Cat On A Hot Tin dance school, Creation Dance. Zealand Actors Equity/MEAA. leading New Zealand and Australian Roof, The Female Of The Species, Where theatre companies, and is the only We Once Belonged, End Of The Rainbow, New Zealand director to be invited The Crucible, Hatch Or The Plight Of The to present his work at the official Penguins, Doubt, Disgrace, The Duchess Of Edinburgh Festival. His production Malfi, Equus, Goldie, Waiting For Godot, of Hedda Gabler played there to great Serial Killers, The Seagull, Rosencrantz And acclaim and was also presented at Guildenstern Are Dead and Uncle Vanya. the Ibsen Festival in Oslo, the Covent Opera directing credits include Nightsong, Opera NZ, Douglas Wright Garden Festival in London, and the Quartet (New Zealand International JOHN verryt Dance, Michael Parmenter, Malia 1991 Sydney Festival. Colin has also Arts Festival 2004), La Boheme Set Designer Johnston, Atimira Dance, Okareka won Best Director at the Chapman (Wellington City Opera), The Italian Girl Dance, and Black Grace Dance Tripp Theatre Awards several times, In Algiers, The Marriage Of Figaro and The companies. John is Production Designer including for his production of Prodigal Child for the NBR New Zealand for The World Of Wearable Art show and Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? Opera. In 2009 he remounted his designs for various corporate functions, His many productions for Auckland production of The Italian Girl In Algiers John began designing for trade shows and music events. Theatre Company include: for the Scottish Opera. performance in 1979, training at Theatre The Ladykillers, A Doll's House, Paniora!, In November 2007, Colin was Corporate and Mercury Theatre. John is Other Desert Cities, The Good Soul of honoured for his artistic achievements freelance and works regularly for many Szechuan, Anne Boleyn, Midnight In and excellence at the eighth annual Arts of New Zealand’s foremost performing Moscow, Lord Of The Flies, Awatea, A Foundation of New Zealand Laureate arts companies including Auckland Midsummer Night’s Dream, In The Next Awards and was made an Officer of the Theatre Company, Silo Theatre, Indian Room (Or The Vibrator Play), Calendar New Zealand Order of Merit in June 2010. Ink, Red Leap, The Large Group,

12 13 Elizabeth Whiting Phillip Dexter MSc Costume Designer Lighting Designer

Elizabeth has designed costumes Horror Picture Show, The Duchess of Malfi, Phillip’s previous lighting designs (Centrepoint Theatre),Lucia Di for New Zealand Opera, Auckland Pillow Man, My Name Is Gary Cooper, The for Auckland Theatre Company include: Lammermoor and Turandot (NZ Opera). Theatre Company, Silo Theatre, Court Importance of Being Earnest, The Glass The Good Soul of Szechuan, Other Desert While based in London, Phillip’s Theatre, Red Leap, Okareka Dance, Menagerie and Anne Boleyn (Auckland Cities, Lord Of The Flies, A Shortcut To international work included designs Black Grace, Douglas Wright Dance, Theatre Company); The Country Wife, Happiness, In The Next Room (Or The at Donmar Warehouse, The Globe, Michael Parmenter, Atamira, Shona La Cage aux Folles, The Great Gatsby and Vibrator Play), Calendar Girls, Mary Stuart, Hampstead Theatre, The Royal Opera McCullagh and the Royal New Zealand Cabaret (Court Theatre); Tartuffe, Top Poor Boy, Le Sud, Equus, The Blonde The House - Covent Garden, Opera Ballet. She designed costumes for Girls, Three Days of Rain, Irma Vep, The Brunette And The Vengeful Redhead, Doubt Conservatory - Royal College of Music. Pop-Up Theatre in London, which was Scene, Holding the Man, When the Rain and Up For Grabs. Phillip is director of Limeburner performed at the Edinburgh Festival. Stops Falling, and Assassins (Silo Theatre). He works regularly for all the major Design Ltd (www.limeburner.co.nz), which Opera design credits include Elizabeth designed the World of theatre companies in New Zealand. specialises in theatre and architectural Faust, Carmen, La Bohème, Falstaff, Wearable Art core show for Wellington Recent productions include: God Of lighting design. Training includes a Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. In 2010 Carnage, Four Flat Whites In Italy, Death Master of Science in light and lighting Così Fan Tutte (New Zealand Opera). Elizabeth won the Chapman Tripp and The Maiden (Newmarket Stage), UCL, London. Product design includes She designed Cavalleria Rusticana and Costume Design Award for The Rock ‘N’ Roll (Circa Theatre), Don Juan In lighting instruments for film recently Pagliacci for the Opera 2011 winter Arrival (Red Leap). She represented Soho, Lucky Numbers (Fortune Theatre), used on the studio components of season, Acis and Galatea in 2012, and New Zealand at the Prague Design Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Oliver! Avatar and The Lion, The Witch And Don Giovanni in 2013. Quadrennial in 2003 with her (The Court), The Graduate, Dracula, The Wardrobe. Theatre design credits include In the costumes for Falstaff, and again in 2007 The Goat (Downstage), At The Wake Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play), Mary with a team of designers who created Stuart, Well Hung, Equus, Cabaret, Into the exhibition Blow. the Woods, Sweet Charity, Hair, The Rocky

14 15 Thomas Press Soundscape Designer

Thomas is a graduate of the New Sound Designer of the Year, and 2014 Zealand School of Music - with a winner of the Auckland Theatre Awards Bachelor of Music in Composition Best Music award. (2009) - and Toi Whakaari: New In March Thomas composed an Zealand Drama School - with a Diploma original sound design for Silo Theatre’s in Entertainment Technology (2005). critically and popularly acclaimed Since 2004 he has worked on over The Book of Everything as part of the 50 professional theatre and dance Auckland Arts Festival. Most recently productions, as well as numerous art he created an original score for Red installations. He is a five time nominee Leap’s new production Dust Pilgrim. of the Chapman Tripp theatre award for

TOM BOGDANOWICZ and at events like NZ Fashion Weekend, Tiger Translate, adidas Audio Visual Designer Block Party, Red Bull Thre3Style, Sound Select, Converse Get Loud, Orcon Great Blend, Southside Arts Festival, and the British Council’s People In Your Tom has provided visuals Left Field wines, Neighbourhood. and projections for many local Video design credits include and international DJs and bands, birthplace of Objects, Vaka and Xmas Verses for Black Grace, The Good Soul Of Szechuan and Enlightenment the unexpected, for Auckland Theatre Company, Espiritu Tasi for Ojeya Cruz the weird and the Banks, and Pacific Dance NZ

Choreographic Labs. wonderful. Enjoy Left Field responsibly. leftfieldwines.com

16 17

LF1504-861_atc_advert_210x148mm.indd 2 16/04/15 1:05 PM How Rupert Murdoch’s father changed the course of the Gallipoli campaign

By Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney © Getty Images Australian infantrymen sit on a transport as they head towards the beach at Gallipoli, Turkey, 1915.

In his remarkable 8,000-word “Gallipoli letter”, young Australian Having met with the Gallipoli gave high praise to the gallantry of journalist , father of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, correspondent Ellis Ashmead- the Australian troops and made it helped to expose the futility of the campaign. Bartlett of The Daily Telegraph, clear that he believed the disastrous Murdoch agreed that the only effort to attack the peninsula was At the end of a hazardous and led to the dismissal of General way to reveal the truth about the due to the “ghastly bungling” of the trip to Gallipoli in late 1915, a Sir Ian Hamilton, the British campaign was to flout the military British commanders. young Australian journalist commander-in-chief. censors. Initially, he tried to “Undoubtedly the essential named Keith Murdoch - father After spending four days smuggle an uncensored letter and first step to restore the morale of Rupert - decided he would from September 3 to September 6 by Ashmead-Bartlett to Herbert of the shaken forces is to recall ignore the military censors and witnessing the terrible aftermath Henry Asquith, the British Prime [Hamilton] and his Chief of Staff bluntly expose the horrific fate of the August offensive, he sent Minister, but the document was [Lieutenant General Sir W. P. of the campaign and the “ghastly the missive to his friend Andrew intercepted in Marseilles. Braithwaite], a man more cordially bungling” of the British top brass. Fisher, the Australian prime Instead, Murdoch proceeded detested in our forces than Enver Risking his career in minister. to London and decided to write his Pasha [the Turkish war minister],” journalism, the 30-year-old Adopting a conversational tone, own account, penning his letter he wrote. proceeded to write a remarkably he famously told the prime minister to the Australian prime minister “It is not for me to judge frank 8,000 word letter that is now that the Gallipoli campaign was from the offices of The Times. Hamilton, but it is plain that when credited with changing the course “undoubtedly one of the most The letter was subsequently read an Army has completely lost faith in of the disastrous campaign. terrible chapters in our history”. by Asquith, who had it printed as its General, and he has on numerous It was this 25-page dispatch, “Your fears have been justified,” a cabinet document; Hamilton occasions proved his weaknesses, now known as The Gallipoli Letter, Murdoch wrote. “This unfortunate was dismissed weeks later and only one thing can be done…. Our which is believed to have expedited expedition has never been given the evacuation proceeded shortly men have found it impossible to the evacuation from the peninsula a chance.” afterwards. In his letter, Murdoch form a high opinion of the British

18 19 K[itchener] men and territorials. They same time, and other evidence, was are merely a lot of child-like youths.” instrumental in the British cabinet’s After the war, Murdoch went on decision [to evacuate].” to buy an newspaper and Michael McKernan, an proceeded to build an Australian Australian historian and writer, BRAVO! news stable which his son Rupert said Murdoch took considerable has transformed into a global risks during his visit, including media empire. going as far as Quinn’s Post, the In 1970, Rupert Murdoch most advanced Anzac post. donated his father’s letter to the “He was a brave man,” Dr National Library of Australia and it McKernan told The Telegraph. was placed on a UNESCO heritage “He was shocked and appalled register earlier this year. by the sickness he saw and by the Historians believe Murdoch’s conditions the men were living in. letter was unashamedly partisan He came away deeply pessimistic but played a significant part in and aware that there were no hastening the Gallipoli evacuation. prospect of success. The letter The campaign led to the deaths of was the first time there was an more than 44,000 allied soldiers honest representation of the way and almost 87,000 Ottoman troops the Gallipoli campaign was being before the allies evacuated in conducted.” December 1915 and January 1916. Perhaps not surprisingly, Carl Bridge, an Australian The Gallipoli Letter has been an history expert at King’s College enduring source of pride for the London, said the letter was highly Murdoch family. coloured and gratuitously omitted Murdoch’s grandson Lachlan, co- the achievements of the regular chairman of News Corp, delivered British soldiers at Gallipoli but a speech last year in which he drew “contained irrefutable evidence on the letter to protest proposed about the plummeting morale of national security laws which tighten the Australians”. controls over journalists. “Murdoch, perhaps the most “Officially, my grandfather BDO is proud to Partner with Auckland Theatre Company. We’ve made distinguished journalist of his was to report on problems with sure their numbers add up for over ten years now and we know they’re generation, was sent there as Fisher’s postal services to Australian troops ‘eyes and ears’ and his incendiary but Fisher wanted all the facts fair dinkum professional theatre blokes and blokesses. We hope you report found its mark in the about the campaign, honestly and enjoy tonight’s exclusive exposé of one of Aussie’s true governing seat of empire,” Professor unfiltered,” he said. blue media moguls. Bridge wrote in the The Australian, “Keith Murdoch’s Gallipoli which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s letter was Australia’s boldest . declaration that our nation had “Murdoch’s letter, along with a a right to know the truth… And report from the South Australia-born like Keith Murdoch, we must have Audit | Tax | Advisory Maurice Hankey, the British cabinet the courage to act when those secretary, who visited Gallipoli at the freedoms are threatened.” www.bdo.co.nz

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2015

20 ASB Waterfront Theatre – Home of Auckland Theatre Company

next year’s programme and the opportunities You can Take a Seat in the ASB Waterfront the new theatre will allow for, we could not Theatre simply by visiting the website be more excited. However we still have to www.asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz or by calling raise $1 million for fitout costs between now the ATC Development Team on 09 309 0390. and then, to finish this monumental project to its full potential. We need your help to get us there by Taking a Seat.

Take a Seat with ATC

Taking a Seat is your chance to quite literally stamp your name on the performing arts industry in Auckland. For a donation of $1,000 your name and message will be placed on a seat plaque in the new theatre’s auditorium and you will be invited to an exclusive seat unveiling event upon its completion. Furthermore, Take a Seat Construction Update The foundations for the structure went from donations can be paid in instalments and Left page: May 2015. The view of the 60 percent to full completion recently so the are eligible for tax rebate. proscenium arch, stage area, wings, sub- The ASB Waterfront Theatre has progressed construction team are turning their focus to stage trap room and dressing rooms as they in leaps and bounds over the past few Taking a Seat is an investment in the next landing the first precast panels to the western begin to take shape. Photo: Andrew Malmo months. The first two sections of steel have generation of arts and culture in Auckland elevation. They are also being kept busy now been erected to the fly tower and the and a truly special way to help us secure this Right page: Celebrity Seat Ambassadors: casting the concrete walls and building the third section is currently being erected to the legacy for Auckland Theatre Company. Sia Trokenheim, star of TV’s Step Dave, and blockwork walls to the ground floor. north and south sides of the atrium. Similarly, We have limited time left to raise the comedian Te Radar have both taken seats the first of the concrete flooring has been laid The build is still on track for a late 2016 remaining funds so if you want to become a in the ASB Waterfront Theatre. In May, they around the stage area. opening date and as we start to think about part of this incredible development we urge took part in an on-site photo shoot with the you to do so now. Sunday Star Times promoting the campaign.

ThankS to our supporters of the ASB Waterfront Theatre

Founding Benefactors, To find out more or for information on how to donate visit Patrons and www.asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz or call 09 309 0390 Donors

22 23 Best Schools in

Auckland ARE YOU IN ZONE?

WE RATE THE SCHOOLS THE CATHOLIC SUPREMACY UNIQUE RANKINGS OF AUCKLAND HIGH SCHOOLS WHY DO CHURCH SCHOOLS DO SO WELL?

Best

Schools IN AUCKLAND

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MT0715ATC Ad.indd 1 11/06/2015 2:52:35 p.m. WHAT’S ON IN THEATRES AROUND THE COUNTRY? The Hound of the PUNK ROCK the Basker- ladykillers by Simon Stephens villes by Graham Linehan Fortune Theatre by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted Tonkin & Taylor Main Stage for the stage by Clive Francis 27 June - 18 July Circa 25 July - 25 August Ferociously funny and 25 July - 29 August The Ladykillers is a black unnerving, Punk Rock explores underlying Sherlock Holmes vs the comedy adapted by Graham jittery tensions, hormonal lysistrata Eight midsummer Powers of Evil Linehan (co-creator and writer of Father Ted and headiness and potential by David Grieg & by Aristophanes, Gigabytes of A bloodcurdling howl is Black Books) from the classic violence in a group of Gordon McIntyre adapted by Michael Hurst Hardcore heard across a cold, moonlit 1955 Ealing Studios film of affluent seventeen-year-old moor; the horrifying, students as they begin to plan Q Theatre Pornography Centrepoint Theatre the same name. spectral hound has claimed for university and the rest of by Declan Greene The Court Theatre | 30 July – 23 August 13 June – 11 July another victim … their lives. But, when a new Q Theatre - Loft Christchurch A legendary lost weekend in classmate arrives, suddenly To convince their men folk When Sir Charles Edinburgh. friendships are tested and to end the Peloponnesian 18 June – 11 July Baskerville is found dead on allegiances shift amidst War, Lysistrata encourages He’s addicted to porn. She's a lawyer. He's a petty his remote estate, in eerie, the pressures of everyday the women of Athens and She’s addicted to spending. crim. She’s totally out of his seemingly supernatural Sparta to abstain from sex adolescence. They are faced She’s self-conscious about league; he’s not her type at circumstances, Sherlock with their husbands and with a very real danger that her breasts. And so is he. all. They absolutely should Holmes, the legendary, partners. This strategy could swallow them whole. A tale of desperation and not sleep together. Which is, world-famous detective, leads to an all-out war the lengths we’ll go to find of course, why they do. and his assistant, the ever- Fortune Theatre | Dunedin between the sexes and some satisfaction, Australian reliable Dr Watson, are For the leading news, hard bargaining from the Centrepoint Theatre | reviews and coverage theatre-maker Declan Palmerston North called upon to unravel the boys. But first the women of Auckland Arts and Greene uses his signature extraordinary mystery of have to overcome some Entertainment, see wit to create a wincingly The Hound of the Baskervilles. challenges too, not least the hilarious and awkwardly call of their own desires. Circa Theatre | Wellington recognisable portrait of Provocative, risqué and as contemporary life crisis. relevant as ever, Lysistrata is guaranteed to spice up your Silo Theatre | Auckland winter nights. Sizzling! metromag.co.nz Auckland Theatre Company

26 27 Auckland Theatre Company AUCKLAND THEATRE Artistic Director – Colin McColl COMPANY BOARD OF General Manager – Lester McGrath DIRECTORS PRODUCTION SUPPLIERS Associate Director – Lynne Cardy Gordon Moller ONZM (Chair) Literary Manager – Philippa Campbell Karen Fistonich BLACK PMS 382 Youth Arts Co-Ordinator – Whetu Silver Ross Green Participation Co-Ordinator – Tanya Muagututi’a Isaac Hikaka Playwright Fellow – Eli Kent Scott Kerse Production Manager – Andrew Malmo Derek McCormack Acting Company Manager – Elaine Walsh Patricia Watson Finance Manager – Kerry Tomlin Company Administrator – Jan Pitout SET BUILDERS ■ STAGING ■ BUILDING SERVICES Development Manager – Linden Tierney Development Executive – Alex Little matt munford www.2construct.co.nz021 554 078 Partnership Consultant – Debby Bell Marketing & Communications Manager – Michael Adams 143A TARGET ROAD, WAIRAU VALLEY, NORTH SHORE CITY 0627, AUCKLAND www.xytech.co.nz POSTAL ADDRESS 71 SMALE STREET, PT CHEVALIER, AUCKLAND 1022 Marketing Campaigns Manager – Natasha Gordon TEL 09 443 3099 EMAIL [email protected] www.2construct.co.nz Publicist – Siobhan Waterhouse Graphic Designers – Wanda Tambrin and Claire Flynn Ticketing & Sales Manager – Jesse Hilford Ticketing & Sales Co-Ordinator – Rosalind Hemmings AUT Work Experience Students – Tayla Broomfield, Nicola Brown, Presshini Lawerance

SET BUILDERS ■ STAGING ■ BUILDING SERVICES

chook birch ATC PATRONS ATC 2015 021 776 105 www.lotech.co.nz Margaret Anderson SUPPORTING ACTS 143A TARGET ROAD, WAIRAU VALLEY, NORTH SHORE CITY 0627, AUCKLAND Ross and Paulette Laidlaw POSTAL ADDRESS 71 SMALE STREET, PT CHEVALIER, AUCKLAND 1022 John Barnett Philippa Smith-Lambert Our Standing Ovation TEL 09 443 3099 EMAIL [email protected] Betsy and Michael Benjamin www.2construct.co.nz and Chris Lambert Supporter Greg Blanchard Sara Lunam and Peter Williams Sandy and Alan Bulmer and Carol Weaver Dayle and Chris Mace Rob Nicoll Adrian Burr and Peter Tatham Andrew Mackintosh and Hilary Liddell Scott and Louise Wallace John and Stephanie Clark Peter Macky and Michael Best Paul and Barbie Cook Jackie and Phillip Mills Our Curtain Call Supporters Trevor and Jan Farmer Michael Moore and Andrew Gelonese Pam and Brian Stevenson Stephen and Virginia Fisher Christine and Derek Nolan Our Take A Bow Supporters Cameron Fleming Denver and Prue Olde Lisa Bates Michael Friedlander Hon Dame Judith Potter BEAUTY AND PRODUCT SPONSOR and Douglas Hawkins Dame Jenny Gibbs Maria Renhart Shane Compton Michael and Stephanie Gowan Fran and Geoff Ricketts Denise Dalziel Ross and Josephine Green Mark and Catherine Sandelin Graeme Edwards Stuart Grieve and Antonia Fisher Mike Smith and Dale d'Rose Rosemary Langham Sue Haigh Joanne Smout Jocelyn Lowe Rod and Penelope Hansen Gilli Sutton Louise Mountfort Allyson and Paul Harvey Lady Tait Robert Narev Anne and Peter Hinton Julie and Russell Tills Joanne Smout Michael and Dame Rosie Horton Kit Toogood and Pip Muir Official Make-up Sponsor John and Robyn Spooner Rod and Julie Inglis Simon Vannini and Anita Killeen Thomas and Mahrukh Stazyk M.A.C. Cosmetics offer a large selection of Peter and Sally Jackson Susan and Gavin Walker makeup, skin care products and nail care items. Ted and Wendy Van Arkel Robert Johnston Sir James Wallace Visit Smith & Caughey’s, St Lukes, Britomart or Botany Downs. and Stella McDonald Ian Webster and Jianni Felpas Len and Heather Jury Annemarie Yannaghas Jan and Brian Keene

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