100 Cousins - Briar Grace-Smith & Massive Company

A Company That Has Thrived for 15 Years – a Recent National Tour - a Trip to London – An Award Winning NZ Writer – a Brilliant Young Kiwi Ensemble-

the result is MASSIVE!

MASSIVE COMPANY presents,

100 COUSINS,
Herald Theatre, The Edge,
31 March - 21 April 2006

a new play by Briar Grace-Smith

Fresh from taking The Sons of Charlie Paora on national tour in 2005 after a sell-out season at The Royal Court Theatre in London, Massive Company presents the world premiere of 100 Cousins directed by Sam Scott.

KEEPING IT REAL WITH A FLASH OF DISCO

Arohaina House is home for a small group of young people bound together by circumstance. The residents of Arohaina discover that finding a house doesn’t always mean finding a home and that dreaming is easier than the real thing.

When Sione Schuster (Joe Folau:King Kong, No. 2, The Market, The Sons of Charlie Paora), AKA the Polynesian Disco God, enters the house our make-believe whanau is put to the test. Sharing the house is; Reuben (Jason Te Kare), a Christian with a sex-addiction; Ani (Madeleine Sami:Insiders Guide to Happiness, No 2, Bare, Bad Jelly the Witch) and Bennet (Taungaroa Emile: No. 2, Whale Rider, Sione’s Wedding, The Market, Shortland Street, Once Were Warriors), a couple of ex street-kids who dream of becoming wedding-planners; the deep thinking Sefa (Foma’I Taito), new girl Becks (Miriama McDowell:No. 2, Interrogation, The Bach) and troublesome Lenny (Wesley Dowdell: Sons of Charlie Paora).

Some of New Zealand's most gifted young actors have worked together for the last year sharing music, histories and parts of their culture to give award winning writer Briar Grace Smith a wealth of honest, fascinating and real stories to base this magical new work on. Unique NZ stories are the inspiration for all of Massive’s work. The theatre that’s created has a genuine heart and soul – it becomes a medium to reflect our own experiences, while transporting us beyond the everyday. 100 Cousins reflects the diversity of our country through the voice of young New Zealanders.

Massive Company, under the unfailing direction of Sam Scott, has for years been a launching pad for many New Zealand actors for including Oliver Driver, Danielle Cormack, Madeline Sami and Craig Parker.

The Sons of Charlie Paora, Massive Company’s most acclaimed play, written by English actor and writer Lennie James (Snatch, 24 Hour Party People, Cold Feet) received rave reviews when it was performed in London in 2004 and during it's national tour of New Zealand last year.

“The audience cared because the actors cared; they told their stories from the heart, the soul and with eloquent bodies, and were given a standing ovation.” NZ Listener

“…an evening to make the spirits soar … truly remarkable” The Observer, UK, 29 March 2004.

Massive Company is proud to be the first New Zealand theatre company invited to participate in 'Contacting the World' - a global youth theatre movement which brings together 12 theatre companies from around the world, providing an opportunity to re-think how we communicate with each other globally. Massive is in the process of developing a new show to take to this year's Contacting the World which is will be held in Manchester, UK, in July. Theatre companies from countries including Rwanda, South Africa, India, Brazil and England will be participating.

“Massive Company are a young and exciting company, producing world class theatre, developing local talent and telling our stories. 100 Cousins will be a highlight.” Lauren Hughes, The Edge.

Performances:
31 March - 21 April
The Herald Theatre, The Edge.
Bookings: Ticketek (09) 307 5000

Further information:
www.massivecompany.co.nz

ENDS

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