Maungatapu murders brought to life in new play

Maungatapu murders brought to life in new play

Two local actors will bring to life the story of the Maungatapu murders as part of next month’s Heritage Week 2016.

The play, Maungatapu, will cover the murders by the notorious Burgess gang, which caused a sensation in Nelson back in 1866 when five men went missing on the Maungatapu track between Nelson and Wairau.

Commissioned especially for Heritage Week, seasoned actors Cameron West and Nick Kemplen will play the murderous pair, Burgess and Sullivan, with the gripping account written and produced by Justin Eade.

“Heritage Week this year is all about ‘Discoveries’ and this new play encompasses that brilliantly, with unexpected twists and turns which the audience is able to experience,” says Community Services Chair, Pete Rainey.

Eade says audiences can expect a compelling tale.

“Heavily based on Burgess' "Confession", this short, two-handed play examines in particular the relationship between Burgess and Sullivan, and speculates on their motivations and thoughts about one another.

“It's difficult to get at the truth of this case even 150 years later, given both of these men probably lied in their accounts, but having researched Burgess' writings, court transcripts and many of the books written about it, this is my interpretation of what might have happened,” Eade says.

The play will be gold coin entry with a question and answer session following the performance.

Find out if there really is honour among thieves and learn about this sordid Nelson history from 20 – 23 April at 7pm and 21-24 April at 3pm.

For a full programme on Heritage Week 2016 please visit nelson.govt.nz search = heritage week 2016. Heritage Week runs from 16-24 April.

ENDS

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