The No. 8 Wire - Issue 23

Gondwanaland Ministry of Culture
Artists' Information Bureau

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An Electronic Alert for 593 of Wellington's Creative People



23.00
ACCORDING TO JORGE LUIS BORGES

There's a certain Chinese EncycLopedia, Celestial Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge , in which it is written that animals are divided
into:

those that belong to the Emperor,

embalmed ones,

those that are trained,

suckling pigs,

mermaids,

fabulous ones,

stray dogs,

those included in the present classification,

those that tremble as if they were mad,

innumerable ones,

those drawn with a very fine camelhair brush,

others,

those that have just broken a flower vase,

those that from a long way off look like flies.

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23.01
BEAUTIFUL DAY

The Wellington Festival of The Sun is Soon to Shine

Wellington’s newest festival is set to take over the Dell on Saturday, February 19. Be at the Botanic Gardens for a stress free day away from the city, an inspiring array of music and art, and a unique forum for creative people of all sorts.

Fletcher Handscomb, founder of the Wellington Fesatival of the Sun envisions that participants will grow from the experience, whether from listening to new music, making new friends or collaborating on ideas.

“More than anything I want people to enjoy a fantastic day in the sun away from the worries of everyday life,” he says. “It’s a celebration of Wellington’s creative community; a way for artistic people to promote their projects and help one another achieve their goals.”

The Festival of the Sun is also about the communication of ideas and the growth of Wellington’s creative community. Hanscomb sees the day of events as a community project, as a facilitator for individuals to further their creative endeavors.

“This is a diverse community festival, that can grow in all directions,” he explains. “It’s many minds and influences working under the sun for a common goal.”

The day will be populated with live shows by musicians and performers in Wellington, exhibition games of foot bag and capoeira, cartoon artists, street performers, and creative displays. The Festival will be open to the public from 10am onwards with stage performances beginning promptly at 12. Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch and outdoor games to play throughout the day.

“Fletch is an incredible fountain of creative energy,” said Eric Holowacz, community arts officer for Wellington City Council. “He wants to celebrate artistic expression, showcase cultural diversity, and bring people together. With the Festival of the Sun, he will succeed.”

This event has the support of the Wellington city council and creative communities. It is free to participate and free to attend. For further information call

Fletcher Handscomb
(012) 260 5294
Or email contactfletch@yahoo.com

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23.02
FRINGE GETS CHEESY, GODLY, FRISKY, AND SO MUCH MORE

Blue Vein
Written…Duncan Sarkies
Directed…Fingal Pollack

When Good Cheese … Goes Bad!

Blue Vein is Duncan Sarkies’ sassy, Brechtian-inspired comic satire about the absurdities of addiction. Our ‘intrepid anti-hero’ Zack (Michael Ness) is a soggy vegetable of a man who one day finds himself hooked on cheese. His girlfriend, his boss, the Kampuchean Woman and “The Dragon” all make their appearances as we watch Zack and his grasp on reality spiral out of control. The turning point comes when Zack finds
himself passed out on the pavement after a graphic ‘bender’ involving the harshest cheese of all …Blue Vein!

“You see I got a craving. Just to try another one …just one…”

Can Zack turn his life around from this horrific addiction?
Or will the dairy product be the winner on the day?

This hilarious one-man show, (with the help of the funky violinist L’hibou Hornung), is to be performed at Epic Café – so come in for a summer evening drink, (doors will open half an hour before start time) and
see a kiwi classic that’s not to be missed!

What: Blue Vein
When: 10th, 11th & 12th of February
Where: Epic Café (cnr of Willis and Ghuznee streets)
Time: 8pm 10th-12th & 9.30pm 11th-12th
Cost: $12/10
Bookings: Txt or call – Fingal 021 253 2406

___________ THEN SEE _____________________________________________

ORIGIN7
A New NZ Play
By Holly Shanahan and Andrew Waterson

The distant future . . . in a galaxy far, far away . ..

A man and a woman – strangers – meet for the first time. They are totally alone on an alien, unidentifiable surface. Cut off from civilisation they
must unite to face this foreign planet’s ghosts and the terrifying series of events that has led them both there.

Is this a space mission gone awry - or man playing God?

Written by and Starring: Andrew Waterson (“After Kafka”, “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”) and Holly Shanahan (In her return to the
boards after directing “Head of the House” and “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”)

See the Fringe Festivals ONLY Science Fiction Drama!

What:ORIGIN7
Where:Frank Kitts Amphitheatre, Frank Kitts Park, Waterloo Quay
When:February 11 – 19th 2005
Time:7pm
Bookings:Red Tickets @ Any NZ Post Shop or Books and
More Outlet (Booking fee will apply)
Door sales available
Cost:$15/12

____________AND THEN____________________________

COLDSTART
By Louise Proudfoot

A quirky, slice of life comedy about six WELLINGTONIANS living the single life.

13th – 16th February 2005 8pm at Bats Theatre

Just in time for Valentines Day - a hilarious comedy about three young professional women who decide to spice up their single lives by inviting three desirable strangers over to dinner: Toby the sexy gym instructor, Simon the amazing "bus-boy" and Duncan the handsome Doc.

It's not a blind date, it's not a swinger’s party – It's a COLDSTART!

With an experienced, professional cast, Director Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (WNTV, Skitz), brings this fresh and insightful comedy to the stage as part of
the 2005 Wellington Fringe Festival. A great night out is guaranteed!

Louise Proudfoot wrote "Coldstart" while living in Paris. It was here in the heart of the most romantic city in the world she found herself reflecting on the uniqueness of the kiwi dating scene. After many hours and cafe crèmes at her local cafe an entertaining kiwi comedy about people looking for love was borne.

With Valentines Day just around the corner what better way to celebrate than a good old laugh about the adventures of dating!

COLDSTART
13 –16 February, 8pm, Bats Theatre
Book at Bats: Ph 802 4175
Waged: $15 Unwaged: $12

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23.03
WHAT IS CULTURAL WELLBEING?

http://www.mch.govt.nz/cwb/index.html

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23.04
SNAPSHOT

14-19 February 8pm, Matinee 19 February 2pm
Drama One, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
Bookings: 04 389 9056
Tickets: $10 / $12 / $15

Rural culture, Kodak moments and explosive physicality are captured in snapshots of dance by four choreographers. Kiwi music dominates the soundtrack alongside bare feet, Kiwi ingenuity and rugged beauty. Six streamlined dancers take the stage in a diverse evening of new dance works.

Established choreographer Sacha Copland explores the language of flirtation and the predatory game of picking someone up - the Kiwi way. Rural and urban differences abound as the plot thickens and the blood starts pumping.

The exquisite Yasmine Ganley explores her French origins in a Kiwi context with her gestural choreographic style. Sisters grow up on the farm in Rosanne Christie’s new work as sibling rivalry comes into play and instinct takes over.

Fresh graduate Travis Khan explores geographical roadmapping in New Zealand to bring you a crafted choreography on the five women in Java Dance Company.

Add Kiwi trained Australian dancers Anita Hunziker and Liz Kinley to the mix as well as lighting designer Paul Evans and Snapshot leaps to life. Physical boundaries are pushed in true Kiwi style as each snapshot tells a story. Snapshot is made possible thanks to the support of Wellington City Council and the Fringe Festival.

For further Information contact the Snapshot publicist:
Sacha Copland 027 663 9481 Email: sachclaire@snap.net.nz

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23.05
BATS, GUANO, NEW WORKS

Fringe NZ 05 takes over Wellington’s new works theatre space. That’s right, the madness begins early at BATS with “Finding Willie” featuring Danielle Mason. Make sure you pick up a Guano and make your choices, we have 81 performances to choose from over the Festival – choice! If you want to go on our Guano mailing list just send us an email with your postal address to bats@bats.co.nz.

Get Guano. Get to BATS. Support new New Zealand stage work.

BATS Theatre
1 Kent Terrace
Wellington, Aotearoa
bats@bats.co.nz
bookings 802 4175
office 802 4176
fax 802 4010
www.bats.co.nz

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23.06
SYMBOLS OF AURAL HAPPINESS

{:~o}{o~;} is hitting Wellington with their original sound and unusual name- consisting of unpronounceable symbols.
And {:~o}{o~;} are playing this Sat at Happy.
The band was formed after front man Stevie Starr had a nervous breakdown listening to repetitive unoriginal pop riffs from uninspired musicians.
“I was listening to the sound of cliché, boredom, and formulas. I thought originality was part of the musician’s job description” Starr says.
Starr took up his weapon of choice- a Dan electro guitar and started waging war on boring, trendy and uninspiring musicians who only want to make money from music.
“I want to sing from my soul not my wallet. I want my music to be both original and hopeful," He says.
Reflecting {:~o}{o~;}'s desire to create original, innovative music the band includes instruments as diverse as violin, cello, bass guitar, keyboard, laptop, electric guitar and theremin.
These elements combine to produce intensely beautiful ambient soundscapes, dotted with glitch electronica beats, strings and passionate soulful vocals.
{:~o}{o~;} consist of seven members; Charmain Clarkson (violin 1), Liz Platova (violin 2), Francesca Mountfort (cello), Simon Perris (string arrangements and compositions), and Stevie Starr (guitars, theremin, laptop, vocals, string arrangements and composition).
Mountfort is widely known in music circles round Wellington. She is the winner of the music category at last year’s Fringe NZ festival with her show Shadow Music. She plays regularly with jazz, classical and Celtic band Carousel who has just released their second album Bob ‘n’ Spin.
Clarkson is a member of the Wellington Sinfonia Orchestra and Platova is studying at Victoria University.
Perris has completed a composition degree at Victoria University.

{:~o}{o~;} are currently completing their independent debut album “We hope in all things new” .

{:~o}{o~;} GIG DEUX
HAPPY
SAT 5th FEBUARY
Starting at 9pm
$5

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23.07
TRUST ACT UP

Are you capable of Acting Up?

Acting Up is a theatre company for adults with an intellectual disability. They have been performing since the early 1990s, but now have decided it’s time to get serious about things. They want to become a registered charitable trust so they can apply for funding and start paying someone to manage the company, but to do this, they first need to find some more voluntary Trustees.

The role of a Trustee is relatively simple: they provide guidance and support for the organisation. The commitment is minimal – the Trust would meet for a few hours every six weeks or so – but the rewards of being involved in such an exciting project would be far from minimal.

If you’re interested in knowing more, please contact Bronwyn Bent at Arts Access Aotearoa on bronwyn.bent@artsaccess.org.nz or 916 4885.

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23.08
FUSION OF TWELVE

Fuse
Mixed-Media Exhibition
16 February 2005 – 7 March 2005, 10am-4pm
(Opening night 16th 6pm-8pm)
Mezzo Gallery, 1st floor, Wellington Public Library

Fuse, a collection of work from twelve Wellington based artists.

Fuse is an exciting and diverse exhibition that combines the work of twelve Wellington based artists in a fusion of narratives, materials and Personalities.

This collaborative exhibition features a range of 2D and 3D art works, including collage, assemblage, textiles, photography, mixed-media and, sculpture.

Contributing Artists:
Catherine Townsend
Joanne Donaldson
Deidra Sullivan
Carla Nicolson
Brittany Johnson
Melissa Wyman
Mica Still
Sophie Saunders
Anita Weber
Frankie Rouse
Carolyn Stevens
Laurel L. Barr

For further information please contact Frankie Rouse on (027) 247 2123.

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23.09
INTERNATIONAL CINEMATHEQUE

Saturday February 5th
The New Zealand Film Archive, 84 Taranaki St, Wellington

Black Tracks (UK, 1996, Exempt)

A stimulating programme of short films, primarily shot on video, exploring the various strands of black and Asian music & culture in contemporary Britain. Programme runs for 90 mins. Entry by koha

Including
BRISTOL VIBES - Dir: Ruppert Gabriel
24hrs in the life of Bristol, in particular of it's Afro Caribbean inhabitants. Featuring the dub of Henry & Louis, the soul of Smith & Mighty & the jungle/jazz crossover of Roni Size & DJ Krust.

CANTO FEVER - Dir: Rosalind Tang
A glimpse in to the lives & loves of chuppies (Chinese Yuppies) at Manchester University & their favourite music Canto Pop.

CHUTNEY IN YUH SOCA - Dir: Karen Martinez
A look at the latest form of popular music to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago. "Chutney -Soca" has it's roots in the folk tunes brought from India to the Caribbean & mixes with the more popular soca or calypso, to create hot Indian folk tunes with plenty of spice!

KALA PANI - Dir: Sonali Fernando
The story of the Moslem inhabitants of the Isle of Lewis, exploring how two forms of expression, Gaelic & Punjabi music & language, mediate the identities of the community's varied characters.

A MULATTO SONG - Dir: Topher Campbell
George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower was born in the late eighteenth century to an African father & European mother. A virtuoso violinist from childhood, he became an attraction throughout Europe before receiving the patronage of the Prince Regent in England. The film is a meditation upon Bridgetower's life, presented through a weave of musical performance, dramatised episodes & interviews.

SOUL SURVIVOR - Dir: Byron Lee
The story of Byron Lee, Jamaican superstar. To a back drop of the Jamaican Carnival, Soul Survivor documents Lee's story from the development of ska, to his current enthusiasm for the dance hall.

Nga Kaitiaki O Nga Taonga Whitiahua
The New Zealand Film Archive
PO Box 11449 Wellington
Aotearoa, New Zealand
ph +64 4 384 7647
fax +64 4 382 9595
http://www.filmarchive.org.nz

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23.10
DRAWING FROM LIFE

Mana Life Drawing Group has recommenced for 2005.
The group meets at the Mana Art Society Club rooms on a Tuesday for two hours from 6.30pm. They are just north of Plimmerton, off State Highway 1. They are signposted and adjacent to the Plimmerton Domain. Proceed over the bridge and down the driveway to the Mana Art Society's premises which are on the left at the end.

The Group is small in numbers and friendly and welcomes new members. Its format is informal and varies from week to week to provide variety.
For more information John 2328193 (evenings).

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23.11
A DECENT PROPOSAL

Business Proposal
Thursday February 3, 5.30pm

You are cordially invited to the launch of a public sculpture proposal: Lite Towers, a presentation marking the culmination of Tao Wells' Summer residency at Enjoy.
Entering Wellington city, passing through its industrial gateway, the elevated highway spans without interruption. A moment of space that briefly opens out. High in the air an arc with views of the stadium, harbour and downtown before you duck into the tangled web of streets and addresses. The scape over the railway yards' hard labour is that of six floating tower tops framing the city. This group of Lite Towers looking through one to another, share its suspension with the highway, held breaths, hopes and expectations of passengers entering or leaving the capital.
The merging of the lofty and the mundane, Lite Towers are a symbol of the next age. Refreshments will be served with speech at 6.30pm

Enjoy Public Art Gallery
Level one, 174 Cuba Street
Wellington

P: 04 384 0174
E: enjoy@enjoy.org.nz
W: www.enjoy.org.nz

Enjoy facilitates contemporary art projects and is liberated from commercial constraints to actively promote critical dialogue.

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23.12
SING IT LOUD

To all people who can hold a tune and enjoy singing with others…
The Wellington World Choir, founded in 2002, is a community-based choir for young and old. Conducted by world-renowned vocal specialist Bert van Dijk the choir creates a most wondrous palette of sounds using the rhythms and harmonies of a wild variety of exotic and ethnic songs from around the world.
The repertoire includes the boisterous sounds of a Czech mountain song, the soothing harmonies of a Samoan love song, the stirring rhythms of a Hebrew song, the sad and discordant flow of a Russian lament, the passion of a Maori waiata and much, much more.
Mr van Dijk teaches in a very simple and joyful way the different uses of voice and harmonies. He encourages a physical way of singing that is drawn from the soles of one’s feet. The weight is shifting, the spine is rippling, the arms are flowing and the eyes are expressive and alive.
Singing is an essential part of the experience and celebration of life. It fulfils the human need for self-expression and belonging: to be unique and to be part of a collective.
The choir warmly welcomes all people who can hold a tune and enjoy singing with others.
Rehearsals are every Tuesday night from Feb 8 – April 12 at Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd., Newtown.
Beginners group: 18:30 – 19:30
Performance group: 19:45 – 20:45
Super Twelve: 20:45 – 21:15.

The cost is $60.00 for 10 sessions or $7.50 per session. The choir performs regularly at rest homes, in hospitals and at community festivals.

For Information:
Wellington World Choir
c/o Bert van Dijk
Ph: 04 – 233 2090
bertvd@clear.net.nz
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23.13
HOT FORREST

HOT: Contemporary Oil Paintings by Paul Forrest
19-27 February @ The Studio
Upstairs at 146 Riddiford St, Newtown, Wellington

Bang in the heart of Newtown - and up the staircase - is The Studio (formally performance venue The Space), and now well known artist Paul Forrest’s Working Studio and Gallery since May 2003.

With an indoor garden, comfy couches and the kettle always on the boil, he has created an environment where everyone is welcome to climb the stairs to browse the Gallery or even sit and chat with the working artist.

“As artist in Residence for the 2004 NZ Affordable Art Show, I was yet again reminded how much people enjoyed the experience of watching an artist at work. Many people went away from there empowered enough to get out the paints and play.”

Paul is a self-representing artist and has 13 Solo Exhibitions and 9 Group Shows to his credit. His work is featured in collections from New Zealand to The Netherlands to the USA.

Paul has proven he can succeed outside the Dealer Gallery system and with the artist on hand it is always possible to negotiate purchases first hand and create payment terms to suit both buyer and artist.
His exciting new exhibition – HOT - explores the human form ‘bathed in glorious light and colour’, from the literal to the abstract.

So, checkout his website www.paulforrest.co.nz to view his portfolio OR EVEN BETTER, make the trip up (not on) the stairs and meet the artist himself. The kettle‘s just boiled!

ART EXHIBITION
HOT
Contemporary Oil Paintings by Paul Forrest
19-27 February
@ The Studio
Upstairs at 146 Riddiford St, Newtown, Wellington

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23.14
THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY
By Edward Albee
Directed by Penni Bousfield

February 1 – 5 at 8.00pm
Seeyd Space, Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown.

To book call: 389 9056
Tickets: Waged $15 / Unwaged $10

Te Whaea’s intimate performance venue, The SEEyD Space, is about to play host to a production of Edward Albee’s dazzlingly witty The Play About The Baby.

In this surreal and absurdist comedy of memory and illusion, a young couple with a baby are visited by an outrageous older couple who have designs on the baby. The character of ‘Man’ acts as Master of Ceremonies, provoking intrigue and revelation. As Man says, “What’s true and what isn’t is a tricky business, no?”.

The Play About The Baby (1998) is one of Albee’s most recent works and has only been performed once before in New Zealand. Reality is pitted against illusion and humour is tinged with the macabre as the four characters grapple with themes of identity and relationship, compassion and cruelty.

Since his debut as a playwright in 1959, Albee has been proclaimed as the playwright of his generation, winning Pulitzer Prizes for A Delicate Balance (1966), Seascape (1975) and Three Tall Women (1991), as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962). Described by Tennessee Williams as “the only great playwright we’ve ever had in America”, Albee’s work challenges his audience on family and social issues and often leaves theatre-goers in hot debate about what they’ve just seen.

Brad McCormack and Tania Nolan, who play the generically titled characters “Boy” and “Girl” are Toi Whakaari students, currently on their summer break from classes. The actors playing Baby’s other couple, the bizarre and mysterious “Man” and “Woman,” are Barry Lakeman and Marjorie McKee who both have an extensive background in community theatre. Barry most recently appeared in the Caryl Churchill double-bill Blue Heart at Studio 77.

Baby constitutes the major project for director Penni Bousfield’s Master of Theatre Arts in Directing ( a course taught conjointly by Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington). Prior to studying for the MTA, Penni has directed theatre in Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown.

For those craving an original and stimulating start to 2005’s theatre season, The Play About The Baby may be just the tonic.

For further information contact: Penni Bousfield (Director)
04 385 7991 or pennoire@yahoo.co.nz
Julie Noever (Production Manager) 021 111 0213

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23.15
SOUNDS NEW

An invitation to hear something new......

You are invited to attend the 8th session of the NZSO-SOUNZ Readings
of orchestral scores

Conductor: Hamish McKeich
Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 February 2005
Tuesday 15 February.

The Centre for New Zealand Music in partnership with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present fi ve works in the first round of NZSO-SOUNZ Readings for 2005.

Along with four New Zealand works from two emerging and two well-established composers, we are delighted to welcome Jane Stanley from Australia. The composer exchanges between our countries continue to increase, especially through the Australian Composers’ Orchestral Forum, a project of Symphony Australia and the Australian Music Centre. In late 2004 Anthony Young took part in ACOF and as a reciprocal gesture it is a pleasure to be able to welcome Jane Stanley to NZ and present her work Drifting Tracer as part of as part of these Readings.

Rehearse:
9.30 - 10.40 Dorothy Buchanan Confluence
10.40 - 11.00 Morning break
11.00 - 12.00 Chris Watson Pivotal Orbits
12.00 - 1.00 Lunch
1.00 - 2.25 Chris Watson Pivotal Orbits
2.25 - 2.45 Afternoon Break Br
Play through:
2.45 - 3.30 Buchanan (9')
Watson (13')
Wednesday 16 February
Rehearse:
9.30 - 10.30 Jane Stanley Drifting Tracer
10.30 - 10.50 Morning break
10.50 - 12.00 Jeremy Mayall In the Beginning
12.00 - 1.00 Lunch
1.00 - 2.25 David Farquhar Unfinished
2.25 - 2.45 Afternoon Break
Play through:
2.45 - 3.30 Stanley (5')
Mayall (6')
Farquhar (11')
3.45 - 5.15 Open Forum - an opportunity for discussion in the Council Chamber foyer

NOTE:
• We recommend coming to the sessions from 2.45pm–3.30pm each day, when the works can be heard in their entirety. However, you are very welcome to attend other sessions.
• The final session on the second day will be followed by an informal debrief of the event in the foyer of the Council Chamber, upstairs from the Town Hall.
• This event is being recorded by Concert FM so please make every effort to arrive and leave during breaks in the sessions.
• Entry is free.

Enquiries: Please contact SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music.
Phone: (04) 801 8602 Email: info@sounz.org.nz

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23.16
THE PRESENT OF CINEMA

http://www.lumiere.net.nz/reader/

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23.17
THE FUTURE OF CINEMA

http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,66380,00.html?tw=wn_story_page_prev2

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23.18
WORDS OF SUPPORT

Top writers’ event to raise funds for tsunami relief

Eight top New Zealand writers will appear together at an 11 February event in Wellington to raise funds for the New Zealand Red Cross’s relief work in tsunami-affected areas of Asia.

Writers’ tsunami aid, a night of readings and music, will feature leading poets Kate Camp, Bill Manhire, Vivienne Plumb, Tusiata Avia, Vincent O’Sullivan, Hinemoana Baker and Emily Dobson, and writer/actor Jo Randerson.

Kim Hill will act as MC, and James Illingworth will add some stylish jazz piano to the mix, at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre on Friday 11 February from 7.30pm.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the New Zealand Red Cross South Asia tsunami appeal.

Tickets will be available on the door for $25, cash or cheque only.

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23.19
FILM CALL
FLYING FIVES 2005 LAUNCH

Entries are now being called for the Flying Fives 2005 International Film awards to be held in September 2005 in Nelson New Zealand. Previous successful entries have come from as afield as London, Athens & Chicago.

The Flying 5 Film Awards are an independent New Zealand film competition giving entrants just five minutes to tell an impacting story on film or video.

On offer is a major industry related prize and, in addition, all the finalists will be screened in a special presentation on the Rialto Channel.

“Plus we are planning to offer a creative escape to a secret location in the Nelson Tasman area. And for the first time the Flying Fives will be awarding the inaugural Golden Beret to the year’s best humour piece.”
More details on the prizes will be announced shortly.

Entries close Monday 25 July 2005; complete entry details on line at www.flyingfives.co.nz

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23.20
FILM CALL

WANAKA’S WILDSOUTH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

I have great pleasure in extending an invitation to join us for the inaugural WildSouth International Film Festival. The Festival takes place among the lakes of Central Otago in the picturesque South Island of New Zealand. Here is a little of what we have to offer.

Enjoy four golden autumnal days on the shores of Lake Wanaka:
• Showcasing the latest and greatest natural history, science and adventure films.
• Exchanging ideas, techniques and checking out the latest film and video equipment.
• Exploring new ways of getting commissions, telling stories and finding audiences.
• Meeting filmmakers, broadcasters, scientists and storytellers from the Southern Hemisphere and around the world.
• Networking, exploring and partying at the centre of 'Middle Earth'.

This boutique festival celebrates documentary film making from around the world and in particular supports emerging filmmakers from the southern hemisphere .. It offers everyone a unique opportunity to make contact with top film makers, producers, execs and broadcasters.
Screenings are at the famously funky Cinema Paradiso.

For more information about Film Entry, Delegate Registration or Sponsorship
you can begin by logging onto www.wildsouthfestival.org

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23.21
FILM CALL

WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL

The Wairoa Maori Film Festival have announced a Call for Entries for Wairoa's first showcase of Maori creativity and talent.

The festival runs from Thursday June 2nd to Monday June 6th, 2005 (Queen's Birthday Weekend. The Entrant Screening programme will be played at the Gaiety Theatre and community venues (including local marae) from Friday June 3rd to Sunday June 4th, 2005.

Criteria for entry is: films with Maori in lead or supporting roles; productions focused around Maori stories; films with Maori in "behind the camera" roles; and indigenous film productions from around the world.

Categories for entry include: short and long documentary, short film, feature film, music video, and animation. Festival organisers are hoping to include some awards component in the entrants programme.

"We'll definitely have an Audience Award, and are currently in the process of seeking sponsors for prizes in various sub-categories," says Mr. Koziol.

Entries close Friday April 1st, 2005.

You can download the entry form at the website: www.manawairoa.com,"

Pakeha film-makers are encouraged to apply if they have Maori actors or stories in their entries."

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23.22
SOON, VERY SOON

A new Arts Centre for Wellington is beginning to take shape, and interior renovations are set to begin in less than a fortnight. Information about arts studio spaces and rentals, and an application to obtain a studio, will be announced on The No. 8 Wire very soon (and other outlets as well). Construction work, to reconfigure the interior, will be conducted throughout February and March. The first phase of the new Arts Centre, opening thereafter, involves up to 25 artist studios, a large dedicated gallery and exhibition space, the Council’s arts office, a support area for creative projects and smaller/emerging organisations, and a series of rooms for workshops, meetings, and classes. Other upcoming phases involve 3 or more soundproof rehearsal spaces for bands and musicians, a larger performance space for rehearsals and live productions, a support area for collectives, collaborative projects, and producers, as well as a complex of high-quality officer spaces for established and professionalised arts organisations. Thanks go to everyone who has shared an idea and time to help move this project along.

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23.23
POSTAGE PAID

Postmark: an artist’s project by Gabby O’Connor

Featuring work by Katharine Allard, Vanessa Crowe, Diana Goodwin, Chelsea Gough, Georgiana Morison, Lisa Munnelly, Genevieve Packer, Sarah Jane Parton, Pippa Sanderson, Sandra Schmidt and Leanne Williams

Michael Hirschfeld Gallery at City Gallery Wellington
To 20 February 2005

Wellington artist Gabby O’Connor’s collaborative exhibition at the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery reflects the adventures of a craftcamper who has toured foreign lands.

O’Connor came up with the concept of ‘Postmark’ before embarking overseas in June 2004. She sees the exhibition both as a way of continuing to produce artworks while travelling, and of staying in touch with friends and fellow-artists in Wellington.

While travelling throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, O’Connor treated hostels, trains and transit lounges as her art studios, making works that responded to new places, sights and experiences. Once every two weeks, O’Connor would package up a work and post it back to one of her collaborators in Wellington. Each artist was asked to produce a work for the exhibition that takes the art work sent to them by O’Connor as a starting point. ‘Postmark’ showcases the products of this long-distance artistic exchange, with works that are beautiful, playful and thought-provoking.

Artists’ floortalk – 10 February 2005, 5.30pm. All welcome

Join Gabby O’Connor and the other artists featured in ‘Postmark’ for a free talk in describing the exhibition project and how the works were conceived and constructed.

http://www.city-gallery.org.nz/mainsite/HirschfeldGallery1.html

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23.24
POINTE SHOES HIT THE ROAD

Tiki-touring tutus: The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s much-loved tiki-touring institution is on the road…

From Wainuiomata to Waipukurau, Westport to Whakatane, New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour takes dance to 49 centres off the beaten track during February and March.
“Live and local, we’re presenting a selection of classical and contemporary dance, right on your doorstep. Diverse dance styles means there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” says Artistic Director Gary Harris.
“The line-up has a strong Kiwi accent,” he says.
“The company will showcase the talents of New Zealand choreographers Shona McCullagh and Turid Revfeim, local designer Elizabeth Whiting and composers Jonathan Besser and John Ritchie.”
Planning the tour is a performance in itself. From selling the show to local presenters, to confirming venue details and booking accommodation, the demanding itinerary is two years in the making.
“In order to tour the North Island and South Island simultaneously, the company of 32 dancers will be split down the middle. One group will tour the community theatres, school halls and basketball courts of the North Island, one the South,” says Harris.
Each contingent travels by bus and packs a five tonne truck with up to four costume changes for each dancer, hundreds of pointe shoes, 40 metres of ballet shoe ribbon, 120 metres of dance floor, 280 rolls of PVC tape, a washing machine and drier, a lighting rig, a sound system, and the all important kettle for afternoon tea.
Revfeim’s tango-inspired ballet Si Supieras opens the programme. Borrowing its title from an old tango, the work draws on the sensual elements of the dance.
Shona McCullagh brings her immense style and energy to Verge, a new work combining ballet and contemporary dance.
Fans of classical showpieces will relish the wedding pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty, and Christopher Hampson’s Esquisses, a sweetly subversive homage to 19th century tutu tradition. Hampson is best known for loosening ballet of its stiff corsets in his two major works for the company, Saltarello and Romeo and Juliet.
The season opens at Wellington’s Westpac St James Theatre on 10 February and six weeks and 48 centres later, closes at Lower Hutt’s Little Theatre on 24 March.

http://www.nzballet.org.nz/

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23.25
GET ON BOARD! FREAK AND SIDESHOW IN TRANSIT

The Sideshow, Menswear X-hibit
Friday, 4th March 2005
Steam Incorporated
Fringe NZ Festival

A celebration of the muscular gorgeousness of the male silhouette. The management dress code is de-constructed and then re-constructed in
these colourful and challenging garments by David Roil. Grasp this
opportunity to release your inner freak by donning the urban armour
that is clothing by FREAK!

For the first time in Fashion history here in New Zealand, the show will travel in
Old-world style on board Locomotive Ja1271 and nine carriages dating
back to the beginning of last century, supplied by “Steam Incorporated ”.

“FREAK!” Productions and Ja1271 will depart from Platform 9, Wellington Rail and arrive Upper Hutt then return to Platform 9.

When the train arrives at Upper Hutt the Locomotive will be taken to the other end of the carriages and then will return to Wellington, backwards reducing the speed it may travel to 25 miles an hour, (that will mean about 1 ½ hr approx).

Each carriage will hold 51 passengers totaling 255 ticket holders, 51 V.I.P’s,
51 media, possibly 40-50 models, designers etc.

The project is rapidly gaining steam. For details, or to get involved in the journey…

Contact: mr freak himself david roil
021 6170702
(04) 384 1525
david_roil@hotmail.com

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23.26
THE CURSE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS

Stephen Sinclair's hilarious dissection of middle class New Zealand is about to hit Circa Theatre.

Michael and Simon, two middle-aged brothers, meet for the first time in years at their family bach in the Coromandel, scene of countless childhood memories. They arrive to discover that in their absence the council has erected a public toilet right next door. Bruised by career disappointment, burned by relationship failure and battered by identity politics, the two brothers decide it's time to make a stand.

'Terrific entertainment...intellectually daring...darkly funny' NZ LISTENER
'...a stunning artistic triumph' NZ HERALD

THE BACH - by Stephen Sinclair
Director - Danny Mulheron
Cast - Peter Hambleton (SIMON), Miranda Harcourt (SALLY), Paul McLaughlin (MICHAEL), Kayte Ferguson (HANA)
Circa Theatre To February 26
Prices: $35 Full, $28 Seniors/Students, $30 Groups 6+
Bookings: 801 7992 or circa@circa.co.nz

Stephen Sinclair is one of New Zealand's most successful playwrights and screenwriters. His play, The Sex Fiend (co-written With Danny Mulheron) which premiered at Bats Theatre in 1989, went on to play return seasons in all the main centres. Ladies Night, co-written with Anthony McCarten, and which premiered in Auckland in 1987, continues to be performed internationally with productions in Germany, Scandanavia, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. It has toured Australia, Canada, and France where it won the Moliere Award for Best Stage Comedy for 2001. It has been touring the UK since 1990. Other plays include Legless, Braindead: The Musical and Blowing It. In 1990 he co-scripted the feature film Meet The Feebles and in 1991 Braindead, which subsequently won Best Screenplay at the 1993 New Zealand Film and Television Awards. He worked with Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson on the scripts for the three-feature film adaptation of Lord of the Rings.

www.circa.co.nz

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23.27
COMING SOON TO WELLINGTON

http://www.southproject.org/

Stay Tuned to No. 8 Wire

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23.28
TELL ME MORE

Great theatre storytelling coming to Circa Studio…

The Baggage Co-op will present an exciting new storytelling show as part of this year’s Fringe Festival.

Soul Food 2005-Te Haerenga premiers at Circa Studio
7pm 1-5 March and 4.30pm 6 March

Full details will be in the Fringe programme and, of course, in an upcoming issue of The No. 8 Wire.

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23.29
ANOTHER REASON TO BE AT CIRCA

Originally premiering at Bats in 2004, the truly New Zealand play, Wheeler’s Luck, expands its audience at Circa, starting this weekend.

Wheelers Luck
Circa Studio: To 19 February
7.30pm . Matinees 4.30pm Sunday 30 Jan 6 Feb.
Tickets $20/$25.

Two tall to middling white actors from the provinces play the entire population of a small kiwi beach town facing development and the possible end of it's way of life. The critics raved: 'Gloriously performed' 'very very funny,' 'brilliant in it's simplicity.'

Nigel Collins, Toby Leach and director Damon Andrew create an entire community with no set, no props, just pure imagination, energy and keen observation.

Book now, as in right now: 801-7992 or circa@circa.co.nz

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23.30
MAJOR GRANT FOR DANCE CONFERENCE
DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand), the National service organisation for the dance industry, has great pleasure in announcing that it has received a grant of $44,000 from the ASB Trust toward:
Tuanui Whakamaru - Dance Canopy 05
National Dance Conference
9 to 15 July 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
The conference comes at an important time for dance in New Zealand, the contemporary dance scene is mushrooming with new dance companies and exciting repertoire. This in part relates to the development of a number of regional and national dance and arts festivals and to the growth of dance programmes in Tertiary institutions across the country. At the same time dance is now a curriculum subject in primary and secondary schools, creating a need for dance trained educators as well as producing dance-savy students - our future dancers and audience. The development of contemporary Maori, Pacific and other contemporary dance in New Zealand contributes to the current sense of a new, emerging New Zealand dance style.
The conference will bring together professional dancers and mentors, educators and students of the tertiary, secondary and primary school sectors and teachers of studio and commercial dance.
Tuanui Whakamaru - Dance Canopy 05 will celebrate the strength and diversity of dance in Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus will be on skill learning and networking and include workshops, presentation of research, performances, forums and discussions on areas of interest.
Other funding for the conference comes from Creative New Zealand, The Teachers Refresher Course Committee (TRCC) and DANZ.
For further information visit www.danz.org.nz/news_events
or contact Celia Jenkins, Communications & Projects Manager, DANZ - phone (04) 801 9885 or email danz@danz.org.nz

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23.31
BABY TALK

The Play About The Baby
By Edward Albee
Directed by Penni Bousfield

To 5 February at 8.00pm
Seeyd Space, Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, Hutchison Rd, Newtown.

To book call: 389 9056
Tickets: Waged $15, Unwaged $10

Toi Whakaari’s intimate performance venue, The Seeyd Space, is about to play host to a production of Edward Albee’s dazzlingly witty The Play About The Baby.

In this surreal and absurdist comedy of memory and illusion, a young couple with a baby are visited by an outrageous older couple who have designs on the baby.

Since his debut as a playwright in 1959, Albee has proven to be one of the most interesting and influential American dramatists. Proclaimed as the playwright of his generation, Albee won Pulitzer Prizes for three of his provocative and innovative plays, A Delicate Balance (1966), Seascape (1975) and Three Tall Women (1991), as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play for his brilliantly original and ferociously humorous, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962). Described by Tennessee Williams as “the only great playwright we’ve ever had in America”, Albee’s work challenges his audience to form an opinion on different social issues and often leaves theatre-goers in hot debate about what they’ve just seen.

The Play About The Baby, written in 1998, is one of Albee’s most recent works and has only been performed once before in New Zealand. True to form, this poetic and surreal comedy is open to a number of interpretations. In it, reality is pitted against illusion and humour is tinged with the macabre as the four characters grapple with themes of identity and relationship, compassion and cruelty.

Baby constitutes the major project for director Penni Bousfield’s Master of Theatre Arts in Directing ( a course taught conjointly by Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington). Prior to studying for the MTA, Penni has directed several New Zealand plays and Shakespeare productions in Auckland.

Brad McCormack and Tania Nolan, who play the generically titled characters “Boy” and “Girl” are both Toi Whakaari students, currently on their summer break from classes. Brad is in his second year at Drama School, while Tania is a third year student, and both are performing in Baby as an extra-curricular theatrical venture in addition to their course. The actors playing Baby’s other couple, the bizarre and mysterious “Man” and “Woman,” are Barry Lakeman and Marjorie McKee who both have an extensive background in community theatre. Barry most recently appeared in the Caryl Churchill double-bill Blue Heart at Studio 77.

For those craving an original and stimulating start to 2005’s theatre season, Baby may be just the tonic.

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23.32
MONEY FOR THE ARTS

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/grants/index.html

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23.33
SWEET AS

Sugarcube
A public art project by Simon Gray
Cuba St, Wellington. December 2004 – February 2005

All those visiting Cuba St cafes over summer are invited to participate in Sugarcube, Simon Gray's public artwork for the Art Box Project.

Throughout December and January, thousands of specially printed sugar sachets have been distributed to participating Cuba St cafes. As the essential part of Gray’s work the public are invited to draw or write on these sachets, and leave them in the boxes provided in the cafes to be collected. As Gray says, “the involvement of other people allows a work to evolve and adds an element of surprise”. Gray will then turn the completed sachets into a collective artwork, to be displayed in the Art Box in early February on Cuba Mall.

Gray, who has an MA in Public Art and Design, recently moved to New Zealand from the UK, where he was involved in a number of public art residencies and initiatives including Open City, in Bristol. Gray collects sugar sachets as a record of his travels and swaps them to build up a collection of sugar sachets from across the world - Sugarcube stems from this obsession.

A big thanks goes to the cafes supporting the project. You can find the sachets at: Fidel’s, Midnight Espresso, Steinburg Cafe, The Purple Onion, Olive Café, Plum of Cuba and Krazy Lounge (all on Cuba St). Sachets can also be found at the Wellington Art Centre, Oriental Bay Rotunda.

Full details and updates can be found at www.artbox.org.nz/sugarcube.htm
For more information email: artbox@artbox.org.nz or ph: 0211848741

www.artbox.org.nz

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23.34
IN THE COURT OF THE WORD KING

Magpie’s Eye Productions Present:
“Pop is dead, The Word Is King”

What is Karaoke Poetry?
“Imagine if you will
A Karaoke Booth
Where, instead of a bound
Book of Songs
From which to pick from,
There’s a thick volume of verse
To immerse yourself in”

Producer Craig Ireson says “Karaoke Poetry is about a time in the not so distant future when people are tired of the idle idols and prefabricated pop stars stumbling and mumbling their way into the charts and rich lists. This is a time when people return to poetry and poets as their pop stars.”

Karaoke Poetry is what you get when you mix the Spirit of the Fringe 2004 (Craig Ireson and Will Frew from The SK8Board Poets) with the Best Visual Artist from Fringe 2004 (Johanna Sanders, Rear Projection Window). It also features live music from Andrew Savage (Sunship) and a deliciously irreverent cameo from Ciara Mulholland (Sniper, Most Original Production, Chapman Tripp Theatre awards, 2004)

“Karaoke Poetry is a sexy, wordy, polyphonic romp through the world of the “mash up.” The works of two diverse artists - or more – are reined together to channel a “third mind” of chaotic brilliance. Where else this summer will you hear the words of Walt Whitman, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, Hone Tuwhare, Denis Glover and Frankie Vallie mashed up in a poetic, comedic mixer!” says Craig.

This is not an open Mike night, but a raucous revising of the poetical canon by an award winning crew of genre benders. Karaoke Poetry is guaranteed to be a hit of the Fringe, defying classification and demanding attention with its sassy stomp through the history of the word

Karaoke Poetry premieres at BATS Theatre as part of the 2005 Fringe NZ Festival
Friday 25th- Sunday 27th February 2005 8pm

Tickets:
$14 (Full) $12 (Unwaged) $10 (Fringe Addict)
BOOK AT BATS (04) 802 4175

For more information:
Craigireson@hotmail.com,
027 242 3453
389 8177

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23.35
C’EST JUSTE

French Film Under The Stars
The New Zealand Film Archive and the French Embassy are pleased to announce the starlight screening of Amélie (Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain) at favourite Wellington venue - The Dell.
The Film Archive have been responsible for screening many classic Kiwi films during previous Summer Cities but this year are thrilled to join with the embassy in presenting one of France’s more recent screen gems.
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and released to great acclaim in 2001, Amélie (Played by the beautiful Audrey Tatou) inhabits a world of photo booths, suicidal goldfish, and elaborate good deeds. Amelie Poulain was a hit with New Zealand audiences the first time around and The Archive and Embassy are sure she will win hearts all over again.
Amélie Screens at the Dell, Botanic Gardens 9pm Thursday 10 February 2005. Moviegoers are encouraged arrive early and pick a good spot. Space at the outdoor screenings is always at a premium and in the past audience members have been known to sit in the trees. In case of bad weather Amélie will screen on Thursday 17 February 2005

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23.36
LATIN GROOVE

Salsadrome & Tango Bar 2005 Starts Friday February 18th with Live Salsa from Wellington's latest salsa sensation 'Clave Latina!'
WPAC 36 Vivian St from
7:30pm Tango lesson
8:30pm Salsa Lesson
DJs and band: studio 1 from 8:45 Pm
Tango salon with guest DJs: studio 2 from 8:30pm

http://www.salsadrome.co.nz/

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23.37
FRINGE FRIDAYS

Fringe Fridays are designed as an informal catch up over coffee, for anyone and everyone involved with Fringe. Come up and see us at the Fringe office, every Friday between 4 – 6pm, from now through the Festival

Support the Fringe. Make interesting art. Collaborate in new ways. Contact them now.

Mark Westerby – Festival Director
21 712 527
mark@fringe.org.nz

Casey Marks – Artist Liaison & Office Manager
21 129 6975
casey@fringe.org.nz

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23.38
THE NO.8 WIRE: PAST AND PRESENT

Archives of the No. 8 Wire are on-line at
www.arts.blogspot.com

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23.39
CONTACT THE NO.8 WIRE

To be removed from this email list…

To be added…

To submit contents, events, opportunities, or comments to contribute to…

Please send word to arts@wcc.govt.nz

Furthermore, send comments, questions, requests, etc to

Eric Vaughn Holowacz
Community Arts Co-ordinator
Wellington City Council / Wellington Arts Centre
P. O. Box 2199
Wellington, New Zealand
Arts@wcc.govt.nz

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END NOTES: Borges

"I cannot walk through the suburbs in the solitude of the night without thinking that the night pleases us because it suppresses idle details, just as our memory does."
"A New Refutation of Time," Labyrinths (1964).

"Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire."
"A New Refutation of Time," Labyrinths (1964).

"One concept corrupts and confuses the others. I am not speaking of the Evil whose limited sphere is ethics; I am speaking of the infinite."
In Other Inquisitions (1960, trans. 1964). Avatars of the Tortoise (1939).

"There is a concept that is the corrupter and destroyer of all others. I speak not of Evil, whose limited empire is that of ethics; I speak of the infinite."
"Avatars of the Tortoise" ["Avatares de la tortuga"], Discussion [Discusión]

"We (the indivisible divinity that works in us) have dreamed the world. We have dreamed it resistant, mysterious, visible, ubiquitous in space and firm in time, but we have allowed slight, and eternal, bits of the irrational to form part of its architecture so as to know that it is false."
"Avatars of the Tortoise" ["Avatares de la tortuga"], Discussion [Discusión] (1932).

"The future is inevitable and precise, but it may not occur. God lurks in the gaps."
"Creation and P.H. Gosse" ["La creacin y P.H. Gosse"], Other Inquisitions [Otras inquisiciones] (1952).

"The flattery of posterity is not worth much more than contemporary flattery, which is worth nothing."
"Dead Men's Dialogue," Dreamtigers (1964).

"[I]t is worth remembering that every writer begins with a naively physical notion of what art is. A book for him or her is not an expression or a series of expressions, but literally a volume, a prism with six rectangular sides made of thin sheets of papers which should include a cover, an inside cover, an epigraph in italics, a preface, nine or ten parts with some verses at the beginning, a table of contents, an ex libris with an hourglass and a Latin phrase, a brief list of errata, some blank pages, a colophon and a publication notice: objects that are known to constitute the art of writing."
Evaristo Carriego, ch. 3 (1930). A biographical study of a poet of Buenos Aires.

"Literature is not exhaustible, for the sufficient and simple reason that a single book is not. A book is not an isolated entity: it is a narration, an axis of innumerable narrations. One literature differs from another, either before or after it, not so much because of the text as for the manner in which it is read."
In Other Inquisitions (1960, trans. 1964). For Bernard Shaw (1952).