Whero’s New Net Weaves Its Way Across New Zealand

“The spectacle of a gay Irishman learning to perform the haka was a comic highlight that almost brought the house down.” - Paul Simei-Barton, The New Zealand Herald

“Whero's New Net captures all that is juicy and fresh in Aotearoa theatre - it's a play that sticks in your teeth like mussels” - Audience member 2008, Auckland

Outstanding Performance of the Year 2008 – Winner, Blair Strang – Metro

Auckland (11 June, 2009) – Fresh from a highly acclaimed 2008 season which left audiences captivated at the Herald Theatre in Auckland, Massive Company tours Whero’s New Net across selected North Island centres between July and September 2009.

Whero’s New Net features a stellar cast of Kiwi actors, including household names Blair Strang (Rangi from Shortland Street) and Wesley Dowdell (Outrageous Fortune). Lifting its inspiration from The New Net Goes Fishing, a book of short stories by Witi Ihimaera (The Whale Rider), Massive Company and writer Albert Belz have adapted Ihimaera’s poignant tales and fused them into a thrilling contemporary drama, soaking up some great laughs along the way.

Whero Mahana is a musician with songs of grit and tears pulsing through her veins. In London to chase a dream far away from New Zealand, she is presented with a diary that confirms her longing for home. As the lines between her past and present fracture, her father’s stories force Whero to make painful choices about where her dreams really lie.

Massive Company is thrilled to be embarking on its biggest ever national tour, bringing to life the voice of Albert Belz (winner 2006 Bruce Mason Award) and introducing audiences around the North Island to the magical world of Whero’s New Net. This is a rare chance to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s finest theatrical talent.

Tickets for Whero’s New Net are now on sale. This is a strictly limited tour. Take advantage of our Earlybird Offer to avoid disappointment. Book now as seats are set to sell fast!

TOUR SCHEDULE – NORTH ISLAND*

Gisborne, Lawson Field Theatre
Evening Perfs: Thurs 30th July – Sat 1st August
School Matinee Perfs: Thurs 30th & Fri 31st July
Bookings: www.ticketdirect.co.nz (06) 868 8288

Hamilton, Clarence Street Theatre
Evening Perfs: Weds 5th – Sat 8th Aug
Bookings: www.ticketdirect.co.nz 0800 224 224

Takapuna, Pumphouse Theatre
Evening Perfs: Weds 19th – Sat 22nd Aug
School Matinee Perfs: Thurs 20th & Friday 21st Aug
Bookings: www.pumphouse.co.nz (09) 489 8360

Wellington, Downstage Theatre
Evening Perfs: Weds 26th – Sat 29th Aug
School Matinee Perfs: Thurs 27th Aug & Fri 28th Aug
Bookings: www.downstage.co.nz (04) 801 6946

Upper Hutt, Expressions Theatre
Evening Perfs: Fri 4th & Sat 5th September
Public Matinee: Thurs 3rd September
School Matinee: Fri 4th Sept
Bookings: www.ticketdirect.co.nz (04) 527 2168

Papakura, Hawkins Theatre
Evening Perfs: Thurs 10th – Fri 11th September
School Matinee Perfs: Thurs 10th & Fri 11th September
Bookings: www.iticket.co.nz (09) 361 1000

* Service fees apply in all centres. Refer www.massivecompany.co.nz for full details.

About Albert Belz

Albert Alexander Amahou Belz (Ngati Porou, Nga Puhi, Ngati Pokai) has been a professional writer for television, film and theatre since 2001. Te Maunga (2001) was his first script for theatre. Awhi Tapu followed in 2003, produced by New Zealand’s leading Maori theatre company, Taki Rua. Awhi Tapu toured New Zealand and was nominated for Best New, New Zealand play at New Zealand’s premier theatre awards The Chapman Tripp. He won Best New, New Zealand Play Award for Yours Truly at the 2006 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards and also the Bruce Mason Award in the same year. Te Karakia (produced by Taki Rua) premiered at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

About Massive Company

Massive Company www.massivecompany.co.nz has developed a reputation as a company that creates bold, original and entertaining New Zealand theatre. Its work has toured both nationally and internationally, winning praise from audiences and critics alike for its approach to creating theatre that is relevant and personal to New Zealand audiences.

Quotes From A Sell-Out 2008 Auckland Season

“A fantastic piece of theatre - spirited, emotional and funny”
- Wallace Chapman, KiwiFM

“Whero’s New Net will be a New Zealand classic. Be one of the first to see it”
- Renée Liang, The Lumière Reader

“[Whero’s New Net] gets inside you, offers you laughter, hope and satisfaction”
- Selwyn Manning, Scoop

ENDS