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Iconic Kiwi entertainment venue turns 20
1 August 2016
Iconic Kiwi entertainment venue turns 20
One of Auckland’s most iconic performing arts and entertainment venues – Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre (BMC) – is turning 20 in August. The 1119-seat theatre, nicknamed “The Bruce” by local North Shore residents, was first opened in 1996. It was named after one of New Zealand’s greatest playwrights Bruce Mason, who was best-known for his play The End of the Golden Weather, inspired by his experiences growing up in Takapuna.
Rebecca Mason, daughter of the playwright, says the Mason family is proud of their historic association with the centre.
“I remember photos of my sister, Belinda, and my mother, Diana, turning a symbolic piece of soil for the foundations. It's now an institution and one that continues to make me feel proud every time I'm in Takapuna. It's such a concrete symbol of the contribution my father, Bruce, made to New Zealand theatre. Our family is delighted that it continues to flourish and provide a theatre venue in Takapuna – such a special place to Bruce, not only in his memories of his childhood, but also in his plays, most notably The End of the Golden Weather and The Pohutukawa Tree.”
The venue was taken over in March 2014 by Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), with management split between Auckland Live, the performing arts division of RFA, and Auckland Conventions, which runs BMC’s conference and functions business.
Robbie Macrae, Director of Auckland Live, says that the Bruce Mason Centre is easily the North Shore’s premier entertainment venue.
“Since taking over management of the venue two years ago, we have worked hard to keep the history and spirit of Bruce Mason alive while ensuring that it remains economically viable for future generations to use and enjoy.”
To mark the 20th birthday, Auckland Live has planned a free weekend of festivities at BMC on August 6 & 7, including birthday cake, free family-friendly concerts, behind-the-scenes tours and an exhibition on the history of BMC. More details are available on Auckland Live’s website.
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