Auckland Theatre - Midnight in Moscow

AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY MEDIA RELEASE -
MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW

For immediate release.

Robyn Malcolm (AGENT ANNA, OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE) returns to the stage to star in Auckland Theatre Company's stylish and captivating production of MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW, a new play by award-winning Auckland playwright Dean Parker, which opens on Thursday 11 April, 8pm at the Maidment Theatre.

"Seamless interweaving of an intriguing plot and interesting personal stories...Entertaining and thought-provoking." - The Press

Moscow, 1947. Love. Lies. Spies.

The New Zealand embassy becomes embroiled in intrigue when rumours emerge that there is a spy in their midst. Loyalties to self, each other and country are tested as suspicion swirls around a group of Kiwis a world away from home.

Part spy thriller, part comedy of manners, part political debate, MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW is a fascinating, cleverly-crafted, and entertaining exploration of betrayal, set at a turning point in the history of the 20th century.

"An engaging and often highly entertaining insight into life at the embassy... Bravo!"
- Theatreview

Dean Parker is a screenwriter, playwright, journalist and political commentator based in Auckland. Winner of the inaugural Playmarket Award in 2012, his plays include TIGERS OF WRATH, BAGHDAD, BABY!, THE MAN THAT LOVELOCK COULDN'T BEAT, SLOUCHING TOWARDS BETHLEHEM, and adaptations of GREAT EXPECTATIONS, THE TRIAL, and THE HOLLOW MEN.

Parker has won awards for his screenwriting including for co-writing the successful big-screen comedy CAME A HOT FRIDAY, adapted from the novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson.

His television work includes the Welsh-Kiwi rugby tale OLD SCORES, which Parker co-wrote with Greg McGee. With McGee he co-created the '80s trucking series ROCHE, and the gold mining drama GOLD. He also worked on episodes of police drama MORTIMER'S PATCH and BETTY'S BUNCH.

Parker's plays provoke and entertain audiences while examining New Zealand's political history and the political perspective of individuals. In 1988 he wrote; "I would describe myself as a class-conscious writer. I'm with Lenin. I'm for the working class seizing control of the wealth it creates, for the replacement of parliament, the army, the police, the judiciary - all those deadly manacles of state control - with workers' committees and militias, and all this done as part of a world-wide struggle." He has written plays set on a factory shop floor, within the National Party caucus, war-ravaged Baghdad, the New Zealand Legation in Moscow, and the story of Robert Muldoon.

"Its premiere production at Christchurch's Court Theatre lasted only two performances after its season was cut short by the February 22nd earthquake, so it's our great pleasure to be able to include it as one of the highlights in our 2013 season." says director, Colin McColl.

Stylish and captivating, this new play from Dean Parker presents a side of New Zealand seldom seen on stage.

Tickets for MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW can be purchased from Maidment Theatre, 308 2383 or atc.co.nz.

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