Review: TENDER at ASB Waterfront Auckland

"Love me Tender, Love me do".
This timeless message from the heart was delivered in a refreshing and touching way in TENDER, the first offering in Auckland Theatre Company's Here & Now Festival.

TENDER is written and created by the cast and masterful director Benjamin Henson (Red Speedo, Titus, The Importance of Being Earnest) . I've seen Henson's work and am a great fan. This piece is no exception.

With defiant honesty, 10 young Aucklanders invite the audience in for a chat about love, sex and relationships, opening their hearts and encouraging all of us to try a little tenderness. Do not be put off by the interactive aspect, it's not threatening and is true to it's purpose; to literally share and bare the love.

The beautiful sunny yellow set was eye catching and right off lifted the mood.

Within that set 10 fabulous young people delivered raw and real messages; Love is.... Well love is like. It's when, like... Yeah, love is sort of...

It's funny, it's confronting, it's informative, it's heart warming and plenty of 'awww' moments.

HERE & NOW is Auckland Theatre Company's annual Festival connecting young people and emerging artists to professional theatre. It's a place for telling our stories, making our own work, and working alongside amazing practitioners.

The vibe amongst the audience as we left the theatre was very definite. I had to control my urge to hug random strangers and tell them I loved them. I could just tell others wanted to do the same!

How wonderful to be stirred up in such a way on a cold Friday night. Go see this.
I love you.

Tender
Auckland Theatre Company's Here and Now Festival
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Saturday 21st April 6pm, Sunday 22nd April 3pm
Monday 23rd April 6.30pm

Book your tickets: https://www.atc.co.nz/auckland-theatre-company/here-now/tender/