Previews: EMILIE at Q Theatre, Auckland

A 5th-century Sanskrit playwright who, like Shakespeare and the classical playwrights, wrote about the human condition. The Clay Cart (Mricchakatika) weaves a tale of love, loss, deception, and redemption. The tale is set in the ancient city of Ujjayina, India and focuses on a formerly wealthy Brahman, Chārudatta, who has generously given his funds away in acts of exaggerated charity. He has fallen in love with a courtesan, Vasantasenā, and the trials and tribulations of their romance, mostly caused by the King’s brother-in-law Sansthānaka, provide both drama and comedy.

Superbly and expertly directed by the highly experienced Julia Leathwick, REHEARSAL FOR MURDER  is a deliciously dramatic delight, especially for anyone associated with the real world of theatre. It’s everything we love about the classic WHODUNNIT – a range of possible “theatrical” characters all with motives, a slowly unfolding plot which is presented with flair, and precisely executed staging and lighting.

What did our critic think of HEARTBREAK HOTEL at Q Theatre? Where would you find the cure for heartbreak? In a sad song, a mother’s wisdom, a friend’s advice, biological understanding, or the advice of a stranger in a pub.

What did our critic think of SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Court Theatre? The Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical, while caught in a bitter battle with Shakespeare (or should we call him Snakespeare?), with hilarious results.