Toa Fraser Returns to His Theatrical Roots

Media Release: For Immediate Release

TOA FRASER RETURNS TO HIS THEATRICAL ROOTS
Auckland Live presents
PURE AND DEEP
Written & Directed by Toa Fraser
Starring Mia Blake & Ian Hughes

Celebrated New Zealand film director and playwright Toa Fraser returns to the stage with the highly anticipated première of his new play PURE AND DEEP playing at the Herald Theatre from November 12-23. This independent sequel to the iconic kiwi classic BAREis long overdue and comes hot on the heels of the NZ première of his internationally acclaimed feature film THE DEAD LANDS.

Dave met Venus back in ’98. She worked at the gym, he dished out popcorn at the local multiplex.
Back then, there was no Facebook. Lord of the Rings hadn't even started. The All Blacks were losing every test. There was no 9/11, no credit crunch. The gap between rich and poor was smaller. The impact of climate change was years away.

The world has changed. It’s noisier. It’s hotter. It’s hyper connected. But Venus(@VenusYoga) and Dave (@D_immersion) are still trying to figure it out. Older, a bit wiser, but still totally confused.

Toa Fraser has been long celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most treasured writers and directors. It was his second play NO.2 with its subsequent film rendition that catapulted him into the international arena winning numerous awards and paving the way for his second award winning feature DEAN SPANLEY. But he cut his teeth on his first full length play – the hugely successful two hander BARE. Described by Metro magazine as an "an instant classic” this went on to tour extensively and win awards. PURE AND DEEP plucks two characters from this late 90’s era and presents them right here right now, facing the contemporary quandary of how to find meaningful, lasting relationships in a hyper-connected world.

“I wanted to do something simple, something clean. I wanted to do something that talks about now, but has its roots in Mt. Roskill, in Bare and No. 2, those plays I wrote a generation ago. I realised the way to do it was to reconnect with those charming, confused characters Venus and Dave, from Bare. I’m thrilled to be bringing a new play to the Auckland stage. It’s been too long” says Fraser.

Toa Fraser is joining forces with the talented Mia Blake (Angels in America, Auckland Daze, No. 2) whom he worked with on the film version of NO.2 and Ian Hughes (Ship Songs, Go Girls, Lord of the Rings). Hughes played Dave in BARE’s first season back in 1998 and also co-directed it with Toa for the sold-out Christchurch fundraiser gala show at the Civic in 2011.

PURE AND DEEP is certain to be another unmissable play from the hand of one of our most talented theatre and film artists.

Pre-Sale Ticketmaster & Auckland Live –– Mon 6 October 9am
General Public Onsale – Wed 8 October 8am

PURE AND DEEP plays
Wednesday 12 November – Sunday 23 November
Preview Wednesday 12 November
Tues and Wed 6.30pm, Thurs - Sun, 8pm, matinees Sat and Sun 2pm.
Venue: Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
Tickets: $45 full, $35 concession, groups 6+, $20 preview (12/11). Service fees apply.
Booking: www.ticketmaster.co.nz 0800 111 999

PURE AND DEEP was commissioned by Auckland Live and has received funding from Creative New Zealand.

Learn more about Venus and Dave here:
Venus (@VenusYoga) - http://www.yogapurity.org/
Dave (@D_immersion) - http://www.deepimmersion.net/

ENDS

© Scoop Media