One Thread In The Story Of A Nation

One Thread In The Story Of A Nation

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Something as simple as a blanket has not previously been thought of as an important object in our nation’s history. Humble and commonplace, blankets have played a central role in our daily lives since the first contact between Maori and Pakeha.

‘Home’ is an original performance of song and spoken word, weaving the story of Scottish immigrants into the story of a nation. It will be performed as part of this year’s NZ Fringe Festival at the Tararua Tramping Club clubrooms in Mt Victoria from 25 February to 6 March.

“Blankets kept our ancestors warm for many centuries, whether on their beds or wrapped around as a cloak or “plaid” in the Scottish tradition. The sheep farms that produced the wool played a major part in the forces of colonisation, both into the Highlands of Scotland and New Zealand” explains director, Jacqui Coats.

In ‘Home’, blankets provide the backdrop to the story of Maggie, a recent immigrant from Scotland, and Johnnie, a first generation New Zealander, who meet in Wellington just before the outbreak of WWI and continue a long distance relationship when Johnnie goes away to the front.

The performance uses diary entries and letters in a gentle style to illustrate life both in New Zealand and at war. It is based around traditional Scottish folk songs in arrangements taken from a book bought in Invercargill in the 1890s.

Performers Stuart Coats, Rowena Simpson and Douglas Mews are all classically trained musicians. “These old arrangements are such a curious mixture of high art and folk music. They always make me smile,” says Rowena.

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‘Home’ is produced by the Single Malt Cooperative.

Dates and Times: 25-27 February and 4-6 March at 6.30pm, and 28 February at 1pm
Venue: Tararua Tramping Club Clubrooms on Moncrieff St, Mt Victoria (some will know this venue as the Kidzstuff Theatre)
Tickets: $20 full, $15 concession, $10 Fringe Addict Card holders
Bookings: through Downstage ph: 04 8016946, email: bookings@downstage.co.nz

ENDS

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