A night at the theatre with Beethoven

A night at the theatre with Beethoven

“Compelling theatre … [Burton’s] relentless energy and animated performance is at times electrifying… not to be missed.” [Dominion Post, Feb 2005]

Following an overwhelming success at last month’s Fringe Festival in Wellington, Lightweight Theatre brings BEING BEETHOVEN, a one-man play about Ludwig van Beethoven, to Auckland’s Herald Theatre from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 April.

Set on the evening of the inaugural performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in 1824, the play juxtaposes two aspects of Beethoven’s life – his composing in which he was an undisputed genius, and the tragic limitations of his ability to understand the world around him.

Playwright and actor Michael Burton is a powerful, convincing Beethoven with an alarmingly wide range of behaviours, and some deeply relevant thoughts on the nature of creativity and the role of the artist in society. Some 20 recorded excerpts from Beethoven’s music are played during the performance.

BEING BEETHOVEN was first performed in Hawkes Bay in early 2004. Since then the play has had over 35 performances, including a tour throughout the South Island where in all places it received exceptional reviews: “Excelled in holding full attention to the last fade out… Excellent, intimate theatre.” [Otago Daily Times, 2004]

Lightweight Theatre, based in Hawkes Bay, is playwright and actor Michael Burton and director Judit Bauerdiek. Its previous production was Gunner Inglorious which was performed more than 80 times and toured to 63 different venues from Kerikeri to Stewart Island.

BEING BEETHOVEN
Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 April – 7.30pm Sunday 24 April – 4pm Herald Theatre, THE EDGE®
Tickets: Adults: $28; Concession (community services card, senior citizens): $24; Groups of 6 or more: $22; Students: $18; Children under 15: $15
Bookings: phone Ticketek on 307 5000, or book online http://www.ticketek.co.nz (service fees apply)

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