The must-see shows at the Auckland Arts Festival
Every March, Tāmaki Makaurau becomes alive with an explosion of arts and culture as the annual Auckland Arts Festival rolls into town, bringing a jam-packed schedule of shows and performances featuring homegrown and international talent. As week two is in full swing, here’s what you need to catch before the month flies by.
Via Auckland Arts Festival
SIX: the Musical
It’s hard to believe this global sensation started as a low-budget fringe festival show, but that’s the power of good writing. SIX tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives, remixing history and injecting it with the production value and fierce empowering energy of our favourite pop divas – think Beyonce, Britney, Rihanna. Smashing in the West End, Broadway, and just about any theatre it’s touched, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night of raucous fun as it lands in Auckland.
When: Thu 27 February – Sun 23 March
Where: The Civic
Via Auckland Arts Festival
A Streetcar Named Desire
Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer-winning play has been adapted countless times, and Scottish Ballet brings the latest reimagining – and maybe the best. The iconic tale of Blanche making her way in 1940s New Orleans has been transformed into a contemporary narrative ballet, with Auckland Philharmonia playing the original score. Making its Australasian debut, this critically acclaimed show is a feat of storytelling, and certainly one to make time for.
When: Thu 20 - Sun 23 March
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Via @aucklandartsfestival
Maya Piata
Drawing from her roots in musical New Orleans and her Māori, Creole, Black and Native American heritage, Maya Piata’s music is a dynamic melting pot of culture. She draws on Motown, pop and R&B, with her sultry vocals bouncing between original songs and Kiwi classics. Catch her at one of four different venues as a part of the Indigenous Music on the Move series, highlighting Indigenous artists worldwide.
When: Tues 18 - Sun 21 March
Where: Te Oro Music & Arts Centre, Artworks Theatre (Waiheke Island), Spiegeltent (Aotea Square) and Māngere Arts Centre.
Via Auckland Arts Festival
SMASHED – The Nightcap
Looking to spice up a night out? Enter SMASHED – cabaret, circus and live music, all wrapped up in one thrilling show. The queen of late-night variety, Sydney-based Victoria Falconer, brings a New Zealand-first show studded with drag queens, burlesque stars, circus performers, local guests and a rock ‘n roll band to top it off. Book a table for you and your friends and grab a drink (or two!) afterwards – the night doesn’t have to stop when the show ends.
When: Tues 11 - Sun 23 March
Where: Spiegeltent, Aotea Square
Via Auckland Arts Festival
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr
Heather Massie combines her love for the sciences and performing arts (having studied both) in her one-woman show, HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr. Playing 36 characters, and for the first time in Aotearoa, she tells the story of one of history’s most important yet overlooked contributors. Hedy was not only one of Hollywood’s bombshells of the ‘30s and ‘40s but also the person we have to thank for the tech behind Wi-Fi. For STEM enthusiasts, or those looking for a night of Hollywood herstory, you’re sure to leave educated, entertained and inspired.
When: Thu 13 - Sun 16 March
Where: Rangatira, Q Theatre
Via Auckland Arts Festival
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
Celebrating their 45th birthday, LA-born Lula Washington Dance Theatre is set to hit the stage and captivate us with their electrifying energy. The troupe blends African, performance art, ballet and contemporary styles with jazz, R&B, and original songs to create genre-defying dance. Two new pieces are set for their international debut at the festival, not to mention it’s the ensemble’s first time in the Southern Hemisphere – catch them before they’re gone!
When: Thu 13 - Sun 16 March
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Via Auckland Arts Festival
Island Vibes
For a smooth start to your weekend, let the sounds of Pacific funk and soul wash over you with Island Vibes. The nine-piece Tāmaki Makaurau-based band hailing from all over the islands use music as a catalyst for unity, change and cultural preservation. Performing original songs reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of their group and our city, and groovy classics sure to please, they’re your guarantee to get the weekend started with a good vibe.
When: Friday 14 March
Where: Spiegeltent, Aotea Square
Via Auckland Arts Festival
Ruminations: Encrypting My Mother Tongue
Tāmaki Makaurau-based Anthony Zemke explores the struggle of diasporic peoples reconnecting with their mother tongues with Ruminations, currently showing at Studio One Toi Tū. The collection of paintings and drawings delves into the complex emotions around migration and identity, ultimately transforming them into a celebration of culture. Blending art and poetry from the East and West through calligraphic abstraction, this thought-provoking exhibition will hit home for many.
When: 27 February - 27 March
Where: Studio One Toi Tū
Via Auckland Arts Festival
ROVA Sound Stage
For a night out that’s a little easier on the pockets, check out the Rova Sound Stage in Aotea Square. Almost every day until the festival’s end, DJs will cycle through the stage to get those post-work/pre-dinner tunes going, all for free. Enjoy the last of the lazy summer evenings we have left, with highlights like Poppa Jax and DJ Killamanraro blessing the decks.
When: Fri 13 - 16, 19 - 23 March
Where: Festival Garden, Aotea Square
Via Auckland Arts Festival
Black Grace – This Is Not A Retrospective
The festival sadly must end, but not without a grand finale from one of Aotearoa’s premier dance companies! Black Grace is celebrating 30 years with an interactive experience unlike any other – watch from above or groove stage-side with our best homegrown talent. Towering LED screens; a stunning catwalk; immersive sound; Kiwi icons like DJ Manuel Bundy and Che Fu to name a few; this is how you end your night on a high note.
When: Saturday 22 March
Where: Auckland Town Hall
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