Theatre
Hope
By Jenny Pattrick
Directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford
The most powerful medicine of all
Written by Jenny Pattrick, one of Aotearoa’s most loved writers (The Denniston Rose) and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Prima Facie), HOPE is a family drama that rises hot from within.
Hope is a poignant exploration of a near future where, in order to reduce spending, a controversial government bill bars people with terminal illnesses from receiving anything but pain management in their final year of life. Piano teacher Irina, a Ukrainian refugee, is cared for at home by her son Daniel with a dubious mix of natural and illegal remedies. But when Irina’s feisty daughter returns from the war and a famous former pupil turns up on their doorstep, hope and delusion blur together making us question the morality of fighting for your life and your loved ones.
Can human connection, music and laughter give us the hope, which might just be the most powerful medicine of all.
From the creatives behind the smash hit Circa season of Prima Facie. Original piano compositions by 2023 Douglas Lilburn Composer in Residence, Briar Prastiti, recorded by renowned pianist, Michael Houstoun. The characters will be brought to life by a cast of stellar New Zealand performers: Perry Piercy, Mel Dodge (Prima Facie), Jack Buchanan and Tāmata Porter.
‘One of this country’s most talented storytellers’ – Nicky Pellegrino
Reviews of Hope
"Brilliant ‘Hope’ cast leave us with hope" -- Sarah Catherall -- The Post
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360567945/brilliant-hope-cast-leave-us-hope
"A call to action in a disintegrating world" -- Tanya Piejus -- Regional News
https://www.regionalnews.kiwi/reviews/hope-
"The non-diegetic pieces are both sweeping and intimate" -- Jack McGee -- Art Murmurs
http://www.artmurmurs.nz/theatre/hope
"Houstoun himself has recorded almost all the music – composed by Briar Prastiti" -- John Smythe -- Theatre Review
"Beautiful music — itself a character in the play, as well as literal soundtrack, piano pieces composed by Briar Prastiti, and recorded by Michael Houstoun" -- Simon Sweetman -- Sounds Good
https://simonsweetman.substack.com/p/theatre-review-hope-circa-theatre
Prima Facie
By Suzie Miller
Directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford
Starring Mel Dodge
Presented by Kavanah Productions & BRAVE Theatre
Original Music by Briar Prastiti
EXTRA SHOW ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! MONDAY 17 JULY 6.30pm!
https://www.circa.co.nz/package/prima-facie/
REVIEWS
‘Something has to change’: Standing ovation for Prima Facie at Circa – The Post (26 June 2023)
‘Go and see this play. Go and see this play. Go and see this play…’ – Simon Sweetman (25 June 2023)
Something has to change.
Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer at the top of her game and loving it: defending, cross-examining, and playing the rules of the law to win. But when the tables turn she finds herself at the mercy of the very system that she has dedicated her life to. Shadows of doubt are illuminated, making us question, who is our legal system serving?
Turning our courts of law into a different kind of stage, this sharp, witty and gripping one-woman show written by Suzie Miller has sold out throughout Australia, the West End, and is soon to land on Broadway. This phenomenal production starring Mel Dodge (Miss Brontë) and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Rants in the Dark) continues an urgent conversation for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Audience Care: This show includes themes of sexual assault. Recommended for audiences 12+
Prima Facie was first produced by Griffin Theatre Company in May 2019 at the SBW Stables Theatre
Winner of The Olivier Award for BEST NEW PLAY 2023
“This play is the reason you go to the theatre”
— Courier Mail“An urgent and compelling work… run, don’t walk” ★★★★★
— Time Out