Work-in-Progress Reading of Pip Hall's ACHE Set for Court Theatre Today

The Mid-Winter Readings series continues with ACHE written by Pip Hall. It is the second of three new New Zealand plays that are being presented as 'works-in-progress' at The Court Theatre.

ACHE is a comedy about unrequited love. The story follows the lives of two urban professionals as they navigate their way through their ever-changing relationship and the world around them. Both achingly funny and heart-breakingly sad, ACHE is a modern love story about timing and seizing the day.

The script also has plenty of heart and heart-ACHE, calling to mind the all-too-familiar experience of unrequited love. "I remember talking with a friend for hours who was in despair because she was in love with someone who didn't know she existed" explains playwright, Pip Hall. "I was fascinated by the notion of fate and timing and how we influence and create our own futures or not."

Told through a series of short scenes, the script comes to life in a way that is reminiscent of flick books used in early animation. "Far from being restrictive, the use of the vignette structure frees the actors to inhabit their characters in a very immediate way" explains director, Melanie Camp. "I look forward to seeing how audiences react to this incredibly vibrant and contemporary way of staging a universal love story."

Pip Hall, daughter of well-known playwright Rodger Hall, has carved her own career as a full-time writer in theatre, film and television for almost 20 years. An accomplished playwright, Pip has multiple awards to her name including New Zealand's most significant and prestigious theatre honour, the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award. Her plays include SHUDDER, UP NORTH, THE WOMAN WHO LOVED A MOUNTAIN and THE 53RD VICTIM.

ACHE will be presented at 4pm today 2 June. Following the performance, audiences will be invited to provide feedback and engage in discussion about the work. All tickets are $10. Bookings at www.courttheatre.org.nz or 03 963 0870.

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