Silo Theatre 2015 Programme Announced

Media Release: 11th October 2014

SILO’S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CHAMPIONS NEW THEATRE IN A COMPELLING NEW PROGRAMME FOR 2015

Sophie Roberts in her first year as Artistic Director of Silo Theatre announces a 2015 programme which aims to delight, challenge and entertain, with a major festival co-production and a world premiere presented alongside some of the finest new contemporary writing from around the world.

Silo’s 2015 season features work that embraces the future whilst taking a brave and compassionate look at some of the big issues facing people and communities living in the 21st Century. Signaling a strong commitment to the development of new storytelling, new audiences and NZ theatre practitioners, Silo continues to push the frame, championing new forms and big ideas.

“In programming my first season for Silo, I have thought a lot about the purpose and function of theatre in a digital age. This has lead me towards programming work that can only happen in a theatre, is direct, demands engagement and requires audiences and communities to be involved in various ways through the year.” says Roberts

Launching the 2015 programme is the Auckland Arts Festival Co-Production THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING. Directed by Roberts this larger than life work adapted by Richard Tulloch from Guus Kuijer’s much-loved Dutch novel, has garnered both literary and theatrical awards since it was first staged in 2004. With an ensemble cast of 8 including Rima Te Wiata, Michelle Blundell, Olivia Tennet and newcomer Patrick Carroll THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING is a magical, wildly theatrical, life-affirming work for audiences aged 9 to 90.

In signature Silo style 8 GIGIBYTES OF HARDCORE PORNOGRAPHY lays bare the desperation of the modern day relationship. Penned by one of his generation’s sharpest and most promising playwrights Declan Greene’s intimate two hander is funny, tragic and quietly profound. Starring the incomparable and brilliant Bronwyn Bradley, this is contemporary theatre in the now.

Returning to the genius of UK playwright David Greig, Sophie Roberts again takes up the mantel of directing the multi-award winning* THE EVENTS. Set in an un-named village - this powerful story explores the journey of a young priest who survives a local atrocity. She sets out on a quest to ask how far forgiveness can stretch. It’s a journey that takes her to the edge of reason, science, politics and faith. David Greig’s daring new play explores tragedy, community and the desire to fathom the unfathomable. Featuring a different Auckland choir in every performance singing music from Mozart to Dizee Rascal - THE EVENTS is at the cutting edge of contemporary performance, promising audiences a theatrical experience like no other. Silo newcomer Beulah Koale stars.

Silo has not presented a world premiere of its own commission since 2008. In 2015, this is about to change. Closing the year is a new work celebrating two of NZ’s most treasured television icons – Peter Hudson and David Halls. Co-created by theatrical daredevil Kip Chapman and starring Todd Emerson and Chris Parker, audiences will find themselves transported to a 1980s TVNZ studio, cast as a live studio audience. Crafted as an immersive, fun and riotous night out at the theatre HUDSON & HALLS LIVE! looks at an incredibly public yet private partnership in what is NZ’s original great gay love story. Expect big laughs, rum-fuelled showdowns and very questionable cooking.

Silo also continues and extends their commitment to the development of new voices in NZ theatre. In 2015, the focus of the company’s WORKING TITLES programme is the talent of Kiwi female playwrights. Featuring the work of Sophie Henderson, Chye-Ling Huang and Courtney Sina Meredith, Roberts adds “We are thrilled to have 3 ambitious new voices in playwriting working with Silo to develop their unique visions for the future of theatre-making. This focus is born out of a desire to champion female artists in areas they are not well represented currently“.

For more information and bookings, visit silotheatre.co.nz

SILO SEASON TICKETS GO ON SALE: 11th of Nov 2014
TICKETS** FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOWS GO ON PUBLIC SALE: 2nd of Feb 2015

SILO in 2015
THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING: 14 March - 22 March at Q Theatre
WORKING TITLES: Sunday 26 April at Herald Theatre
EIGHT GIGABYTES OF HARDCORE PORNOGRAPHY: 18 June - 12 July at Q Theatre Loft
THE EVENTS: 03 September - 26 September at Q Theatre
HUDSON & HALLS LIVE! : 05 November - 05 December at Herald Theatre

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*THE EVENTS by David Greig: The Guardian’s Best Show of 2013, 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Award, The Carol Tambor Award, The Best Play yet to play in New York - The New York Times

**The Book Of Everything is now on sale to public as part of the 2015 Auckland Arts Festival Programme

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