BackChat 46 1 Summer 2023 Title The title image of this edition is from the 2024 TheatreFest ShowCase:
Dramatix, South Canterbury – Child's Play, photo courtesy of Mark Perry

President's Message

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Theatre New Zealand
Message from the President

"For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
(Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2)

Shakespeare points out that each experience presents an infinite number of interpretations. Your interpretation of each event determines whether it is positive or negative.

Theatre is an art dependent on community involvement. It takes a diverse ensemble with myriad talents and skills to create what we experience as audience members, whether it be good or bad. As I journeyed from meeting to meeting in the capital this week, I kept hearing disturbing comments about theatre/program closures and the misguided direction of funding in the arts. Our audiences…and art form…deserve nothing less than appropriate support in training and funding for our theatre makers, but I fear:

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
(Marcellus, Act 1 Scene 4)

Looking back over the years, I am reminded that I have been privileged to work in community theatre since early childhood ( Earth & Sky, Jenny McLeod, 1969). By giving back, we strengthen our communities; in doing so, we are privileged to witness the ability to create an environment where we can tell our stories and experience the importance of exploring the diversity and culture surrounding us.

I was always taught that ‘professionalism’ in theatre is just a matter of attitude. It combines a work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a love for what we create together. Some may dismiss community theatre as ‘amateur’, meaning it can't be as good as ‘professional’ theatre. If I am not wrong, doesn’t the cast and crew embody a sense of professionalism? I think we all understand the root meaning of the word ‘amateur’—we do it for the love of it. We do this as an opportunity to work together to bring our stories to life, to impart an experience of truth and beauty to our community… our fellow meaning-makers. I like to call it ‘Leisure Time Theatre’ it’s what we do in our own time, and we are good at it.

Our theatre communities face many challenges, none more so than where are the volunteers? Where are the tech staff, designers, directors, backstage and front of house? We are not alone; our leading training institutions also suffer. It is said there are "no small parts, only small players" (Konstantin Stanislavski), meaning all the roles are important and worthy of honour in the making of theatre, from the lead actor to the person running "front of house". Without these staff, artists, technicians, and crew behind the scenes, the performance doesn't happen…it literally all falls down. They are often the unsung heroes in our theatre-making tradition, yet they deserve our applause and gratitude for their work.

Theatre New Zealand hopes that those of you who have been waiting to get involved in the theatre-making process will endorse what we consider a privilege of giving hope, encouragement, and service to our fellow thespians. If performing on stage isn't your thing, then we need people with talent and/or interest in costumes, set building, lights, sound, and management. We have skilled practitioners in all these areas who are willing and waiting to run workshops and teach our volunteers.
Do we need a kick up the arts? Theatre in New Zealand is in your hands. Let us determine how we accept the positives or negatives and get involved.

We have just released our strategic plan for the next 10 years; in doing so, we commit to increasing our efforts to ensure sustainable growth in our industry; we will bring local workshops and training opportunities to our regions.

We are committed in developing:

Age-group-appropriate festival opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Senior groups - Age on Stage.
More extensive theatre training programs.
More Children and Youth Theatre opportunities through supporting our NCEA standards with performance opportunities and international engagement through Secondary schools. We propose affecting the following short-term opportunities
Host the AITA/IATA World Festival in Wellington 2027.
Have a team represent TNZ at the World Festival in Monaco 2025.
Have a team represent TNZ Youth in Brussels 2026.

“Noble patricians, patrons of my right, Defend the justice of my cause with arms.”
(Titus Andronicus, Act 1, Scene 1)

Nga Mihi

Paul Percy
President Theatre New Zealand

Theatre New Zealand needs a home.

Do you have space? With our ever-increasing collection of historical archives, trophies, banners, and wall-mounted honour boards, currently stored in spare rooms around the Motu, we need to secure a home location to house these historical items for storage and display. If you think you can help out and make space available for us, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Strategic Plan

Click on any image to view

Announcement

Resignation of Mr. Steven Arnold

It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Steven from his role as Treasurer and Executive member of Theatre New Zealand as of November 2024

Steven has been a valued executive team member, contributing enormously to our strategic plans and festivals. I am also grateful for Steven's dedication and efforts as a festival coordinator and ANZDA member; both roles have played a significant part in the development of Theatre New Zealand.

While we are saddened to see Steven step down, we respect his decision and extend our sincere gratitude for his lengthy service. We wish Steven the very best in his future endeavours.

The executive would like to take this opportunity to announce that Mrs Marilyn Ollett will take on the role of Treasurer.

Paul Percy
President - Theatre New Zealand: Te Pūtoi Whakaari o Aotearoa

Who is your TNZ Executive

Click here to view biographies of the Executive