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What is it with tall people up the front at gigs? Should morning raves replace gym sessions? Joining us this week on Best of the Fest are writers Emily Perkins and Arihia Latham, artist Suzanne Tamaki and theatre critic Cate Prestidge.
This is the second episode of a brand new RNZ national five-week lively conversation series about a feast of cultural treats on offer in arts festivals across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosts Perlina Lau and Mark Amery are joined by Aotearoa artists and commentators every week. Episode two sees Culture 101 look at a diverse range of musical offerings, Witi’s Wāhine and The Savage Coloniser at Aotearoa New Zealand Festival and a host of shows at Hamilton Arts Festival.
Tusiata Avia's The Savage Coloniser Show Photo: Raymond Sagapolutele
First up, artist Suzanne Tamaki (aka Native Sista) arrives pumped after starting the day at 6.30am at Morning People: Warehouse Rave with legendary DJ Dick ‘Magik’ Johnson on the decks. That, on the back of checking out opening night of Tusiata Avia’s “fierce, furious and fabulously unforgiving” The Savage Coloniser, on until Sunday 3 March.
Matt Berninger of The National in Wellington February 2024 Photo: Nick George Creative
Novelist Emily Perkins (whose latest Lioness is up for an Ockham) is a fan of band The National, and joined Mark at their Sunday concert in Wellington.
Emily Perkins also reports back. with co-panelist poet Arihia Latham on Writers’ Weekend at the festival, where they both appeared.
Witi's Wahine in rehearsal Photo: supplied
Arihia and Mark discuss the opening night of Witi’s Wāhine by Nancy Brunning. Bringing to life the wāhine from Witi Ihimaera books, including The Parihaka Woman, The Matriarch and Pounamu Pounamu. The production runs until Saturday 2 March.
Cate Prestidge Photo: Supplied
Finally, in Kirikiriroa, Perlina Lau is joined by theatre critic Cate Prestidge.
Hoards of Hamiltonians have been flocking to the Hamilton Gardens (a national treasure in Perlina’s opinion) and theatres around town to soak up the arts festival offerings. The impressive turnout has seen shows packing out for the past week.
Prestidge covers Rutene Spooner’s Thoroughly Modern Maui, Abby Howell's La Soupco, The Tempestuous by Penny Ashton, Fantastic with The Birdmann and Egg and Kopu.
Fantastic - The Birdmann and Egg Photo: Supplied
The Hamilton Arts Festival wraps up this Sunday with a highlight performance from Bic Runga performing at sunset at the Hamilton Gardens on Saturday evening.
