MID-WINTER READINGS Showcase New Zealand Writers

Come in from the cold, enjoy a mulled wine and take part in The Court Theatre's annual series of new theatrical works. Over three consecutive Sunday afternoons, plays will be presented as 'works-in-progress'. Following each performance, audiences will be invited to provide feedback and engage in discussion about the work.

"This is an exciting opportunity for audiences to see a script performed in a raw state as it evolves into a fully fledged theatrical production" Artistic Director, Ross Gumbley explains. "Engaging with the audience is a critical and thrilling stage in the script development process."

That Bloody Woman, by Luke Di Somma & Gregory Cooper, is an exhilarating new rock-musical comedy about Kate Sheppard and the movement she led to get New Zealand women the vote in 1893. It's an irreverent and raucous revisionist ride filled with catchy songs, bearded women and dancing sheep.

The War Artist, by Carl Nixon, is set in 1918 France. Three New Zealand soldiers are tasked with burying five of their fellow countrymen, but not just any grave will do. The play centres around the creation of the painting Burial Party at Bellevue near Solesme by George Edmund Butler, the New Zealand army's first official war artist.

Ache, by Pip Hall, is a comedy about unrequited romance. Told through a series of vignettes, the story follows the lives of two urban professionals as they navigate their way through their ever-changing relationship and the world around them.

Philip Aldridge, Chief Executive of The Court Theatre, is very passionate about initiatives like MID-WINTER READINGS. "It is essential to The Court's work to promote and foster new New Zealand writing. Any mature theatre with the ability, resources and capacity has a duty to represent the contemporary voice of the New Zealand."

MID-WINTER READINGS will be presented on 26 May and 2 & 9 June. All tickets are $10. Bookings at www.courttheatre.org.nz or 03 963 0870. For more information on these featured playwrights and their new works, please contact alecwheeler@courttheatre.org.nz.

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