TheNewDowse: Venture into The Enchanted Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Venture into The Enchanted Forest at TheNewDowse this summer

Discover the magic that transports Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel and Maui from page to stage in this new exhibition which gives an insight into creative collaboration.

Opening on 29 November and running through till 14 April 2009, The Enchanted Forest is focused on the behind-the-scenes talents who bring fairytale characters to life in three iconic stage productions: The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Cinderella, Te Ao Marama Tapui Ltd’s Maui: One Man Against the Gods and NBR New Zealand Opera’s Hansel & Gretel.

Visitors follow the twists and turns of the child characters at the heart of each story through a forest of emotions - from fear, courage and betrayal to happy-ever-after. The trials and tribulations of the fairytale characters often echo the surprises, setbacks and triumphs involved in the creative effort required to turn words on paper into bums on seats.

Incoming Director Cam McCracken says, “The gallery space will be transformed into a forest, complete with real trees, twisted umbrellas and rock formations – it’s really going to be a show-stopper. The sets, props, costumes, music and design sketches in the exhibition represent hours of labour, and we’re excited to reveal what happens on the other side of the stage curtains”. McCracken will open the exhibition in person on Saturday 29 November, ahead of his official start at TheNewDowse in January 2009.

The Enchanted Forest features a full events programme which includes exclusive access to Royal New Zealand Ballet rehearsals and their wardrobe department at the St James Theatre, as well as floortalks, workshops, DIY activities, and storytelling inside the exhibition.

For more information and images (including relevant production stills and exhibition installation shots), or to request an interview with creative talents including:
Tracy Grant Lord (costume and set design, Cinderella)
John Verryt (costume and set design, Hansel & Gretel)
Tanemahuta Gray (artistic director, Maui: One Man Against the Gods)

The Enchanted Forest: where fairytales collide
29 November 2008 – 14 April 2009 / FREE ENTRY
TheNewDowse / 45 Laings Road Lower Hutt / www.newdowse.org.nz
Supported by TheNewDowse Friends

Maui tried to steal the sun
While Cindy stole our hearts
Hansel tricked a wicked witch
Now it’s your turn to take part…

ENDS

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