Shows Booked: Nelson Arts Festival (11-22 Oct, 07)

News from Nelson Arts Festival

Have you seen Jack Frost about? You know what we say -  just around the frosty corner comes the Nelson Arts Festival and we are getting pretty warmed up about some of the shows we’ve got booked.
 
Birds of a feather

Strangely and rather unexpectedly an avian theme has emerged that links three of our shows. The drama Hatch is all about a zealous early 20th century bid to turn penguins into oil; Fiona Farrell reads from Mr Allbones’ Ferrets in a story based on the import of  the pests that decimated New Zealand’s birdlife; and another Woollaston Readers and Writers’ event features Steve Braunias with his new book, How to Watch a Bird. It’s a far out feathery coincidence and we are planning to invite the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary team to be at these events in support of their bird saving work.
 
Out the Gate

Our schools’ coordinators are out visiting all the schools in the city and environs with the
Out the Gate schools’ programme, getting in early so teachers can plan around some of the fantastic events we are offering this year for young people. The Out the Gate brochure will be coming to your house soon in the schoolbag of your offspring so keep an eye out for it before it becomes compost down there with the organge peel.
Highlights include the hilarious show Cycology which involves music making on carrot & bicycle and special prices for kids to several of our main theatrical and music shows. We’re already getting a fantastic response, so do ask your school if they are supporting these events - there are very special prices that won’t be offered to the general public.
 
Get strummin’

Here’s an opportunity to put yourself and your family in the arty action and learn a new skill that’ll make you a party hit before you can say My Dog Has Fleas.  We’ve got the fabulous Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra coming for a couple of festival performances. At the big finale, the Fulton Hogan Family Fun Day on Labour Day Monday 22nd October, they want you to strum along. Good old Arts Council Nelson have stepped in with the tuition and they suggest you make a family occasion of it - what better way to lively up your winter Sundays. Starting July 8th, for six Sundays between 3 - 3.30pm. There will be more classes later so get your name down now. artscouncilnelson@paradise.net.nz

Director’s Pick from Antony Hodgson
(Annabel Norman is stil recharging the batteries in India - due back next weekend!)
“My pick is Strange Resting Places, a story of the Maori Battalion in Italy. There were three strong elements that connected Maori with the Italians: kai, waiata and whanau - not to mention (say the directors of this show) cunning, thievery, vino and the ladies. This play is set at Monte Cassino when a young Maori solider goes out stealing for food and meets an Italian hiding out in a stable. The two men find themselves trapped in a dangerous face-off, and with the enemy just outside, they realise they will need each other to survive.

We saw this show at the Auckland Festival and are very pleased to have secured it for Nelson.

Make more Friends

Put the word out about these irresistible deals.
Become a Festival Friend and for just  $65 you get three vouchers to shows of your choice,  invitation to programme launch and to Sculpture Gala plus regular festival updates in our Festival Friends’ Newsletter.

Become a Special Festival Friend for just $120 - this is a great deal especially for couples, get six vouchers to shows plus all of the other friends’ benefits.

Invite your friends, plan a spring holiday, don’t delay, reply now to this email, more programme highlights at  our website.www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz.

PS
We know it’s a wee way off, but just put a note in your diary about our summertime coup -  Dame Kiri at Sealord Opera in the Park in a star studded line up that includes Simon O’Neill, Jonathan Lemalu and Helen Medlyn, supported by the Vector Wellington Orchestra. Feb 16 2008 at Trafalgar Park, Nelson. A once in a lifetime experience.

ENDS

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