The No.8 Wire - Issue 32

Gondwanaland Ministry of Culture
Artists' Information Bureau

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An Electronic Alert for 860 of Wellington's Creative People
Tail-end Octo-numerical Interview: MELISSA WYMAN


32.00
WELLINGTON ARTS CENTRE
a brief history

Over the past three decades, the Wellington Arts Centre has been home to a multitude of creative activities, courses, workshops, meetings, and resources. There is much excitement as the new, greatly expanded Wellington Arts Centre begins life in two renovated buildings in Abel Smith Street. The effort to provide a creative nucleus for Wellington arts and culture has its origins 24 years ago.

In 1981, the Wellington Community Arts Council and Wellington City Council Parks and Recreation Department formed the Wellington Arts Centre Trust to develop new arts projects and take advantage of the government PEP employment scheme for artists. The Trust, which was known to the community as Wellington Arts Centre, was housed at 335 Willis Street in the Dransfield House. It’s mission was to integrate creative people and projects into the daily life of the capital city. One early attempt was the now highly popular Summer City programme, which became a novel way to employ local artists and performers. Summer City was eventually taken over by the Council, and has since been managed by the Special Events Team. Ian Galloway, then director of Parks and Recreation, was also a founding trustee of the Wellington Arts Centre Trust. He was succeeded at Parks and Recreation by Richard Nanson, who played a key role in the growth and development of the arts centre.

In 1988 Neal Palmer, a community arts programmer originally from London, became manager of the Wellington Arts Centre. He established a number of outreach programmes and special projects, including classes in visual arts, theatre, dance, and music. Palmer also developed holiday programmes, video oral history projects, a children's film festival, a storytellers celebration, and the young people's arts festival now known as Artsplash (currently in its 17th year). In 1990, Richard Nanson brought the Wellington Arts Centre and Palmer under Council management, and relocated the facility to the Oriental Bay Rotunda.

From that small harbour-side site, the Wellington Arts Centre was able to offer meetings rooms, art workshops areas, desk space, a photographic darkroom, storage, and other facilities for independent groups, tutors, and organisations. Then, as now, it remained open for use by anyone and any creative project or workshop. Regular users have included Wellington Folk Music Club, Life Drawing Groups, Wellington Photographic Society, Cantiamo con Gioia Choir, Wellington Embroiderers Guild, Young & Hungry Youth Theatre, Wellington International Jazz Festival, Inspiring Artist Project, Laugh Festival, Storytellers Café, and a host of tutors and course instructors.

Throughout its history, the Wellington Arts Centre has also been home to regular yoga instructors, musical babies/tots sessions, music classes, film screenings, rehearsals and performances. The facility also included 11 display screens to loan for local exhibitions, a low-cost darkroom in partnership with the Wellington Photographic Society, and desk space for emerging arts organisations and festivals.

As the 21st century rolled around, and Wellington’s creative community continued to grow, the City Council began thinking about a larger, more diverse and dynamic complex. Extensive consultation and two years of research followed. This incubation period involved comments and meetings with thousands of creative people and organisations. In 2003, Neal Palmer retired as Arts Advisor and Community Arts Co-ordinator, and Eric Holowacz, a recent arrival to New Zealand from South Carolina, succeeded him.

The plan for a new arts centre was presented and endorsed by the Economy & Arts Committee in June 2004, and incorporated into the 2005/06 Annual Plan. After investigating several sites and buildings, a location was found and leased near Upper Cuba Street. Interior renovations began in early 2005.

In April 2005, the first phase of the new Wellington Arts Centre opened at 61-69 Abel Smith Street. This facility, in keeping with the previous and historical intentions of providing spaces, venues, and resources for everyone in the local creative community, now offers classrooms for hire, an exhibition space, a project room, several meeting/rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, a darkroom, and a staffed reception/lobby. These spaces are available to hire by individuals, organisations, clubs, tutors, speakers, and anyone involved in Wellingtons arts community. On-going activities offered by independent users include two dozen visual art courses and workshops, a choral development programme for young people, gallery exhibitions, weekly activities (life drawing, yoga, musical babies), monthly meetings or public events (Storytellers Café, Folk Music Club, Wellington Photographic Society lectures), and one-off uses.

The new Wellington Arts Centre also houses 28 artist studios for working creative people, and is presently staffed by two on-site personnel. Organisations currently using or making their home at the new Wellington Arts Centre include DANZ, NZ Society of Authors, Sticky Pictures, Wellington Photographic Society, Wellington Folk Music Club, Storytellers Café, Barbarian Productions, and Young & Hungry Youth Theatre. Others are set to arrive after the June completion of renovation. The formal grant opening is planned for late July 2005. The centre is always open to proposals and enquiries from anyone, individual or organisation, seeking to hire a space, connect with creative people, expand or develop ideas, or utilise the on-site arts centre resources. Please join us, and thank you for being creative in Wellington.

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32.01
GOOD MUSE

The Word Collective Presents: Karaoke Poetry
Back by Pop Opera Demand!

Winner ‘Best of the Fringe’ and ‘Best Spoken Word’ Fringe NZ 2005

Karaoke Poetry is poetry like you have never heard, or seen, before. It features live music, pop references, cheesy video and kitsch set design. Craig Ireson has made poetry accessible and fun while retaining the intellectual edge that has always set poetry apart as the thinking persons’ pop music.

And if poetry is the new pop then what would the karaoke booths be like? Imagine wannabe poet stars blasting Blake, Baxter and Tuwhare , banshee like, for the sodden nighthawks instead of paying an off key wayward homage to Britney, Boney M and the usual suspects.

Karaoke Poetry features original poetry and song from Craig Ireson (SK8Board Poets, Word Festival) with original Karaoke Video by Johanna Sanders, (Rear Projection Window Best Visual Artist from Fringe 2004). 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).

It returns to BATS Theatre this May after critical and popular success in last summer’s Fringe Festival.

Writer and performer 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.”

This is not an open mike night, but a raucous revising of the poetical canon by an award winning crew of genre benders. So don’t worry; no-one will be asked to warble out “I will always love you” or do an acapella Sam Hunt number. Karaoke Poetry is guaranteed to satisfy your curiosity, defying classification and demanding attention with its sassy stomp through popular culture.

The Word Collective have challenged themselves to strip away the preconception that performance poetry is a lifeless, two dimensional affair. And they have succeeded; wowing audiences for two Fringe Festivals running, alongside producing the 2003 and 2004 Word Festivals, where over 1000 people have collectively met to share their own stories and poetry. The Third Annual Word Festival is in the pipeline for August 2005.

Karaoke Poetry at BATS Theatre
7.30pm, Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 May 2005
$15 (full) $12 (concession)
BOOK AT BATS (04) 802 4175, book@bats.co.nz

For more information please contact Craig Ireson
craigireson@hotmail.com, 027 242 3453, (04) 389 8177

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32.02
TWO DAYS AND COUNTING

Wellington’s mayor Kerry Prendergast will give acting a go when she joins the Living Feral Films cast and crew taking part in the in the 48 Hours of Furious Filmmaking Competition hitting Wellington this weekend.

Fairy Dell and mining caves, carved Marae, a sci-fi stage, suits of armour, Peugeot cars, army unimog, and New Zealand’s Tattoo Museum have been lined up in advance as some of the many production possibilities exclusive to Living Feral Films.

The unknown elements that are the competitions hallmarks are exciting producers. “Everything is unknown until this Friday night when we find out our genre (film subject), the mystery prop, line of dialog and a name we have to use in our film”, said Producer Ivan Magoc.

“It’s an irresistible challenge, we are a cast and crew passionate about Wellington city and film; to fuse the city, film production, the Mayor, Wellington locations and people are exciting elements to work with”, said Ivan.

Wellington’s new Arts Centre on Abel Smith Street will be production headquarters for Living Feral Films this weekend. The 48 Hours of Furious Filmmaking Festival is officially New Zealand’s largest film competition.

For information about the 48 Hours of Furious Filmmaking Festival please visit; http://www.48hours.co.nz/

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32.03
TE WHAEA, SOON

Coming to Te Whaea:

Battles of the Heart 31 May - 4 June - War through the eyes of extraordinary everyday people, performed by second year actors at St Andrew's Church Hall, 30 The Terrace. The show is produced in association with Gaylene Preston Productions and includes monologues from the film War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us and Alison Parr's book Silent Casualties, as well as scenes from Allen O'Leary's play Fond Love and Kisses.

Slaves to the Rhythm - Choreographic Season 17 - 25 June - Slaves to the Rhythm brings together New Zealand's most outstanding percussionists STRIKE and 2nd & 3rd year contemporary dance students from the New Zealand School of Dance. Find yourself at the mercy of the driving rhythm.

The Chekhov Season 9 - 13 September - The second year class of actors is split into two groups - each group will perform a different show each night - one group will perform Chekhov's The Seagull (a comedy with three female parts, six male parts, a landscape, much talk about literature, and five tons of love) while the other performs Anne Bogart's Small Lives Big Dreams (a play about memory that examines how characters in Chekhov's plays are haunted by the past while attempting to look forward).

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32.04
CON/TEXTUAL

Texts and Subtexts
John Di Stefano

In the exhibition, Texts and Subtexts, interdisciplinary artist, video-maker, writer and curator John Di Stefano explores the controversial figure of Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922 – 1975).

As a politically engaged artist and openly gay man living in the tumultuous Italy of the 1960s and '70s, Pasolini was continuously portrayed by the media as a social outcast. His name became synonymous with scandal and 'otherness' despite the fact that he was highly respected as an artist and intellectual. He was assassinated in 1975 leaving behind a rich and varied body of filmic and written work.

Di Stefano's installation-comprising video, sound, photography, interactive book-work, and site-specific works form a sort of alternative museum that attempts to critically reframe aspects of the public archive of press imagery, filmic material and varied ephemeral texts left behind by the slain filmmaker.

In Texts and Subtexts, Di Stefano's approach is that of a critical meditation which attempts to reclaim Pasolini's 'otherness'. As a first-generation Italian-Canadian, Di Stefano's relationship with Pasolini is not that of a biographer, but that of a translator who shares a cultural and linguistic background with the filmmaker. Di Stefano negotiates the complexities of cultural translation and acculturation to suggest that we think of the expression and representation of identity as porous and fluid, made up of numerous overlapping symbolic and cultural experiences, all modulated with the use, and abuse, of language(s).

John Di Stefano (MFA, UCLA) is an interdisciplinary artist, video-maker, writer and curator. He is Associate Professor, and Director of Postgraduate Studies at Massey University's School of Fine Arts (Wellington). His studio work is focused primarily in video, installation, photo-based and time-based media, and has also included performance, bookwork, site-specific and public art projects. He has extensively exhibited and published internationally since the mid-eighties.

“Pier Paolo Pasolini, screen writer, essayist, poet, critic and novelist, was murdered violently in 1975. Pasolini is best known outside Italy for his films, many of which were based on literary sources - The Gospel According to Saint Matthew, The Decameron, The Canterbury Tales. Pasolini referred himself as a 'Catholic Marxist' and often used shocking juxtapositions of imagery to expose the vapidity of values in modern society. His friend, the writer Alberto Moravia, considered him "the major Italian poet" of the second half of the 20th century.

Pelorus Trust Mediagallery
Preview, Thursday 12 May from 6.00pm
Friday 13 May 2005 -Saturday 4 June 2005
9.00am till 5.00pm

The New Zealand Film Archive
PO Box 11449 Wellington
Aotearoa, New Zealand
384 7647
http://www.filmarchive.org.nz

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32.05
GALLERY MOVE

Bartley Nees Gallery will soon move from its decade-old location at147 Cuba Street. The next opening will be in the new location at 2 Blair Street on the corner of Blair and Wakefield Streets on May 20.

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32.06
Coming up this week on Frontseat
Sunday Evening on TV1
MAUI VERSUS THE HOBBIT: Tanemahuta Gray’s dream of a De La Guarda-style theatre experience opens in Wellington next week. ‘Maui’ is the culmination of many years, much money, and metres and metres of aerial equipment; and features the talents of top locals like composer Gareth Farr, dancer Taiaroa Royal and actor Tamati Te Nohotu. Jeremy Hansen heads into rehearsals to rate Maui’s chances in the wake of box office stage-flops ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Once Were Warriors’ and ‘Whale Rider’.
THE FUTURE OF MUSICALS: Go on, admit it, everyone’s a closet musical fan. But where are musicals heading? There are the shows that just recycle popular music: ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Queen – The Musical’, Boy George’s ‘Taboo’. There are the new, fabulous bad taste shows like ‘Jerry Springer – The Musical’. Then there are musicals of films of musicals of films – ‘The Producers’, anyone? Not to mention local attempts at turning unique stories into song-and-dance extravaganzas: ‘Once Were Warriors’, ‘Whale Rider’, and who can forget ‘Braindead – The Musical’?
Oliver Driver explores where stage musicals are heading with veteran director Bobby Alderton and actor and singer Rima Te Wiata.
PRODIGAL COUNTRY: Julie Hill reports on the future of homes lived in by writer Janet Frame and composer Douglas Lilburn.  The Thorndon house that Lilburn spent most of his life in was a home he loved and according to friends, wanted to gift to the nation as the New Zealand's first composer's residence after his death. But now, the executors of his will want to sell the house to a private buyer. Meanwhile, the American couple who own Janet Frame's childhood home want to gift it to the district of Waitaki - but the Council says it doesn't want it. Julie Hill investigates.
SCULPTURAL VANDALISM: We report on the latest act of violence towards a public sculpture (Andrew Drummond’s ‘Tower of Light’ near Wellington Airport). 

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32.07
JAZZ GIG

The Wellington International Jazz Festival is seeking a 2005 manager. The two week long Festival in October features international and New Zealand jazz artists in a variety of settings.

The Festival Manager has overall responsibility for all aspects of delivery including artist liaison and contracts, programming, venue management and ticketing, budget and reports, sponsorship and funding, staff, marketing and publicity. Staff including Publicist/Marketing Manager and Production Manager report to the Festival Director.

The Wellington International Jazz Festival Trust is seeking a person with experience in event management and fundraising/sponsorship. The successful applicant will also demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to understand and deliver the outcomes desired by the Trustees, whilst making their own contributions to the event. Ability to work under pressure, a passion for music/arts or events and a willingness to go the extra distance is desirable.

Reporting to: Wellington International Jazz Festival Trust
Term: Full time contract position May 30, 2005 to November 25, 2005 (26 weeks). Please send expressions of interest and/or curriculum vitae to:

Wellington International Jazz Festival Trust
PO Box 11 987
Wellington
Email: simon.bowden@artsfoundation.org.nz

Please note that this appointment is subject to confirmation of funding.
Salary: Full time equivalent of $30,000 plus full time equivalent of $20,000 at risk. Bonus options

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32.08


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32.09
DICK’N’MIX – IT TAKES ALLSORTS
Have ya booked ya tickets to the show yet? Don’t miss this opportunity to see the DRAG KINGS perform their best hairy work at Wellingtons’ premiere professional theatre DOWNSTAGE.
One hour (and some dangly bits) of jam packed fun and frivolity beckons you and your friends for a fantastic frenzy of gender-bending! We’re brimming with pride at performing at such an amazing venue which is a first for us and for you our valued supporters.
We haven’t compromised on our style and promise to deliver the beloved silly, sexy and sublime show that has helped paved our success. We really need your support and would love to see you there J
May 13th, 14th at 10.30pm
$15 concession with ID / $25 waged / $20 per person for groups 10+
Bookings at Downstage - 04 801 6946 - www.downstage.co.nz

More information on the Drag Kings themselves, can be found on www.dragkings.co.nz

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32.10
CALIENTE

Latin Fire: One of Australia's top salsa bands live at the Salsadrome
Friday 13 May
 
Take a journey into the wild, exotic, warm and sensual cultures of Latin
America as LATINFIRE takes to the stage in Wellington. LATINFIRE is a
Latin Music group with a BIG Latin Sound, featuring Latin
Percussion, Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet and Trombone.
 
Also features DJ Caliente, DJ Zebrita and Team Salsa dancers.
It'll be a gerat night of Latin Music and dance. Don't miss it!
 
http://www.latin.co.nz/html/latinfire.html
 
Latin Fire: One of Australia's top salsa bands live at the Salsadrome
Friday 13 May $25. Book at Tickatek, door sales from 7:30pm
Doors open at 8pm.
36-42 Vivian St
 
Comming up
 
Salsadrome and Tango Bar
Friday 27 May
Two Studios, Tango and Salsa intro lessons.
Tango and Salsa Djs till late, only $8.
36-42 Vivian St
 
Salsadrome and Tango Bar
Friday 10 June
Two Studios, Tango and Salsa intro lessons.
Tango and Salsa Djs till late, only $8.
36-42 Vivian St
 
Salsa ball with Clave Latina
Saturday 18 June
St James Theatre Jimmy bar
6pm Tango Milonga.
8:30pm Salsa lesson.
9pm DJs.
10pm Clave latina live!
12pm-1:30pm DJs.
 
www.salsadrome.co.nz
http://calendar.salsadrome.co.nz
 
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32.11
WELL SCRIPTED

http://www.playmarket.org.nz/advice_home.php

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32.12

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32.13
CALLING ALL SHORT STORY WRITERS

Enter the Bank of New Zealand Katherine Mansfield Awards 2005.
The Premier category prize is NZ$10,000, Novice and Young Writer category prizes are NZ$1,500 each.  The winning Young Writer's school is awarded NZ$1,500 and a creative writing workshop hosted by a prominent New Zealand writer.
For eligibility criteria, full entry conditions and to enter online visit www.bnz.co.nz/kmawards.
Entries close 30 June 2005.

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32.14
JUMP AND JIVE

Musical Babies and Tots at Wellington's New Arts Centre

Wellington's musical little ones have a special place, every Friday morning, at the new Wellington Arts Centre. The popular Musical Babies and Musical Tots programmes began on May 12, and offers weekly sessions for parents and children who want to explore music, dance, movement, and creative play.

Music educator Sarah Conroy will be running the classes, and she can be contacted now about enrolment and participation. The classes offered at the new Wellington Arts Centre, 61-63 Abel Smith Street, are as follows:

Thursdays at 10:00-10:30 am
Musical Tots: a fun music and movement class for children aged 18 months to 4 years.

Thursdays at 10:45-11:15 am
Musical Babies: a fun class of singing and finger play for babies aged 12 to 18 months.

Thursdays at 11:30-12:00 am
Musical Babies: enjoy a fun and close time with your baby in a class designed to start your child off on their musical journey. For babies aged 6 to 12 months.

Fees for term two are $58.50 for nine sessions or $52.00 for PTL holders. Musical Babies and Tots classes begin on Thursday 12 May 2005 and run until Thursday 7 July 2005. To register your place for next term, please contact Sarah Conroy on 976 2754 or by email to sarah_mike@paradise.net.nz. Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is essential.

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32.15
MAORI GROOVE

To celebrate New Zealand Music Month, Toi Mäori Aotearoa is dancing to its own tune and staging a day of activities in Wellington to celebrate and enjoy contemporary Mäori music - something not offered in other places.

Garry Nicholas, General Manager at Toi Mäori says: “We are proud to bring Pao! Pao! Pao! to Wellington. This musical extravaganza will be fantastic and we know that Wellingtonians will enjoy the unique flavour that these artists bring to the stage. What’s more, the special elements of Pao! Pao! Pao! mean that there is something for everyone: a variety of music genre, exceptional poetry and dance. There is no other event in the New Zealand Music Month line-up that can compare with what we have in store”.

Mr Nicholas goes on to say that Pao! Pao! Pao! is part of the lead-up to the August Toi Maori festival of Maori Art in San Francisco, an event that will showcase top artists from weaving and ta moko, to waka paddling and music. “We are thrilled with the international exposure of Mäori arts, and Pao! Pao! Pao! is an opportune time to acknowledge the important contribution that some of the leading Mäori female musicians have made to that profile on the world stage”.

Pao! Pao! Pao! kicks off at the Wellington Town Hall at 1pm with “Wahine in the World”. This inaugural component is to honour Moana Maniapoto, Mina Ripia (Wai 100), Whirimako Black and Toni Huata, and mark their success that has stretched to other countries, where their triumphant concerts continue to take their uniquely Maori voices to places beyond Aotearoa New Zealand.

The New Zealand Music Forum 2005 from 2-4.30pm will feature key speakers and workshops for artists wanting to learn more about how to pursue a career in music and dance.

At 5pm we take a behind-the scenes look at Hone Tuwhare, an acclaimed poet, whose words have been taken up by new voices from Goldenhorse to Don McGlashan, Mahinarangi Tocker to Dallas Tamaira, bringing Tuwhare to a new generation of New Zealanders. ‘Tuwhare’ will cover the development of the album, introduce some of the singer-songwriters who have set their music to Tuwhare’s poems, and pay tribute to this amazing New Zealand Icon Artist. Mr Nicholas says: “This special preview to the compilation album which will be officially launched next week is a must for enthusiasts of great music, and lovers of poetry and literature”.

Our finale concert features a line-up of some of the best of Maori music and dance talent today including DJ Poroufessor, Moana Maniapoto, Ruia and Ranea Aperahama, Mika and the Plastic Mäori, Sista Waitoa, and Whirimako Black, along with some of Wellington’s funkiest musicians: Toni Huata, Brannigan Kaa, Wai 100 and Te Kupu.

All activities are open to the public and entry is by donation except for the concert at 7pm which will only cost $10. Door sales only.

PAO! PAO! PAO! Schedule
12-1pm Opening
1-2pm Wahine in the World
2-4.30 New Zealand Music Forum 2005
5-6.15 Tuwhare
7-11pm Pao! Pao! Pao! Concert

www.paopaopao.com

For further enquiries/information, please contact Paula Collins 021 518 518.

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32.16
PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTIONS THROUGH THE LENS

14 May - 17 July 2005

The highly-charged spaces of psychiatric institutions will be explored in a major international photographic exhibition at Victoria University's Adam Art Gallery, from 13 May to 17 July.

'Still Present: Exploring Psychiatric Institutions In Photography' features work by three highly acclaimed photographers: internationally-renowned Magnum photographer, Chien-Chi Chang (Taiwan/New York); established photographer and installation artist Anne Ferran (Australia); and emerging New Zealand artist Jono Rotman. All three artists will be present at the exhibition opening on Friday 13 May at 6pm.

Curator and Gallery Director, Sophie McIntyre, says the exhibition explores notions of presence and absence in the corporeal and visceral spaces of psychiatric institutions.

"Chang and Ferran's photographic portraits explore the construction of social and power relations within the institution, whereas Rotman focuses on the architectural construction of abandoned and unpeopled institutions, examining the traces of human life that remain within them."

"While this exhibition may be confronting, challenging the adage 'out of sight, out of mind', the works featured are also potent, compelling and hauntingly beautiful, revealing, in intimate detail, the unseen spaces and the everyday lives and identities of those that, until now, have been unseen in the public realm or ignored by the grand narratives of history."

Chien-Chi Chang's series 'The Chain' was exhibited at the Sao Paulo Biennial in 2002 and at the Venice Biennale in 2001. Significantly, this is the first time it has been shown in New Zealand. This series of 31 life-size black and white portraits feature patients at the Lung Fa Temple in southern Taiwan. The portraits show patients bound together in pairs with chains fastened around their waist. The chains are part of a 'treatment programme' in which the more 'stable' patient is chained to assist the less 'stable'.

Prominent Australian photographer and installation artist Anne Ferran's work is the result of a residency that Ferran undertook at Gladesville Hospital that functioned as a womens' psychiatric hospital in the 1940's in Sydney. She has drawn on photographs of past female patients at the hospital in 1948. Ferran re-photographed these visual records, highlighting the contrasts between the human softness as seen in the patients' hand gestures and the crease marks of their ill-fitting clothing, set against the harsh clinical context of the institution.

Jono Rotman's series 'Chambers' is the culmination of a three-year investigation into the abandoned or unoccupied spaces of psychiatric hospitals and prisons in New Zealand. Rotman photographs institutional spaces, focusing his camera on the remaining debris of human presence. These large light boxes are at once repelling and also alluring, the viewer is drawn into the gritty, derelict rooms, only to be confronted by the graffiti stories and human detritus within them.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a full-colour, 36-page catalogue with essays by Sophie McIntyre and Melbourne based New Zealand writer Kyla McFarlane.

Adam Art Gallery, Victoria University of Wellington
Gate 3, Kelburn Parade, Wellington
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm (closed Monday/ University and Public Holidays)
Tel: 463 5489 or 463 5229
Email: adam-art-gallery@vuw.ac.nz

www.vuw.ac.nz/adamartgal
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32.17
ENJOYING A CHANGE

Wellington’s home and favorite presenter of contemporary art will be moving soon, but only just down the street. The last show at 174 Cuba Street is a consuming beast of an installation…

A Process of Bewilderment
Simon Denny and Tahi Moore
Artist Talk Friday May 20 6pm
Exhibition on now through May 20

The distance from love to the heart is short and hard. Simon has built the very structure of belief, true paths through unknown heartlands, leather goods, soil, hope and fertility. Tahi has founded the true-thinking system. He will show you meaning-building in practical workshops, love, fountains, loss. Enjoy Public art Gallery will house these structures. Comfortable chairs and music are gone now. We are here to show you our love and confusion. The details are clear. In truth we have tradition. Freedom has lost us, it has been sold. The machine discusses and broadcasts these very real concerns. If you wish to take sms messages from the machine in conversation (:re non progress) please forward your mobile number to the people at Enjoy.

Enjoy Public Art Gallery
Level one, 174 Cuba Street
Wellington
 
P: 04 384 0174
E: enjoy@enjoy.org.nz
W: www.enjoy.org.nz

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32.18
KOREAN OFFER

The National Art Studio, run by National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, is now accepting applications for Artist-in-Residency Program 2005-2006.

Changdong Art Studio (Session 4 Residency artists)

Long term residency (1 year)
Residency period : 1 Sep 05 - 31 Aug 06
Acceptance of 9 Artists (9 studios)

Short term residency (3 months)
Residency period : 1 Sep ~ 30 Nov ‘05 / 1 Dec ‘05 ~ 29 Feb ’06 or
1 Mar - 31 May 06 or 1 Jun - 31 Aug 06
Acceptance of 12 Artists (3 Studios)

Goyang Art Studio (Session 2 Residency artists)

Long term residency (1 year)
Residency period : 1 Aug ‘05 ~ 31 Jul ‘06
Acceptance of 15 Artists(15 studios)

Short term residency (3 months)
Residency period : 1 Sep - 30 Nov 05 or 1 Dec 05 - 29 Feb 06 or 1 Mar - 31 May 06 or 1 Jun - 31 Aug 06
Acceptance of 20 Artists (5 Studios)

Eligibility on Application
Aged between 25 to 49 years old established artists of all nationalities;
Above artists who have not previously participated at Changdong or Goyang Art Residency program;

Selecting Procedure
Assessment of application and a shortlist will be drawn by The Studio Committee.
Primary Paper Screening > Secondary Interview > The Final Decision

Support Materials for Application:
An application form;
Personal Statement;
Portfolio must be submitted in forms of digital image, preferably in CD-ROM containing descriptions of work : under 10 Still images in jpg format/ approx. 5 minutes length Video works in avi format;
A copy of passport;
CV or résumé listing your most important exhibitions, performances, publications, awards and education;
A pre-project report including anticipated outcome during the residency.

Application Procedure
Applicants should only apply to one studio, Changdong or Goyang. (Applications made to both Studios will not be accepted)

Submission Deadline: 23 May 05
Applications can be made direct or post to

Museum Policy Division, National Museum of Contemporary Art, 427-701, San 58-1, Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

Notification : Listing will be at the website of National Museum of Contemporary Art and National Art Studio
Short List : 8 June 2005
Final Selection: 21 June 2005

Enquiry
Additional information about this application may be obtained at www.artstudio.or.kr (National Art Studio), www.moca.go.kr (National Museum of Contemporary Art), or www.mct.go.kr (Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Korea)

Contact: Goyang Art Studio Office +82 (0)31 962 0070/ 6470

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32.19
MONTH OF CONTROVERSY

From the NZ Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=6&ObjectID=10124883

A row has broken out between rival politicians over a poster promoting a free concert for New Zealand Music Month that was held on Parliament's steps yesterday.

The last line of the poster for the Steriogram performance reads: "A free concert, brought to you by New Zealand Music Month, which is brought to you by the Labour-led Government, because Labour loves NZ music".

The office of Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard made and distributed the poster to politicians and media.

It was also displayed in several locations in Wellington. National MP Katherine Rich yesterday accused Ms Tizard of using the poster to politicise NZ Music Month and promote herself.

"She's turned it into a Judith Tizard promotion as opposed to a non-political celebration."

Ms Rich said the poster's last line contravened parliamentary rules banning ministers' offices from distributing party propaganda.

Ms Tizard said Ms Rich was grizzling about nothing.

"It's a tiny line at the bottom of a poster."

She said an enthusiastic member of her staff made the poster and if Ms Rich had a problem, she should complain to the Speaker of the House.

Steriogram, the band whose song Walkie Talkie Man has famously been used by Apple to advertise iPod music players, yesterday distanced itself from the poster debate.

The band's frontman, Tyson Kennedy, said they had not seen the poster and did not have an opinion on whether the statement from Labour was appropriate.

But he did say the Labour Government had helped the band substantially.

"We do have a lot of love for the things they've done."

He said money from Labour grants and benefits had given the band freedom to write and perform their music, which had in turn led to their signing with US record label Capitol.

"It's kicked off our career."

Kennedy said yesterday's concert, which attracted a crowd of about 200, was unlike any Steriogram had played before.

"There was a lot of dudes in suits."

He had hoped to meet "Aunty Helen" [Prime Minister Helen Clark], but she was not there.

Steriogram begin a month-long tour of New Zealand on May 17.

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32.20
CITY ART

Have you been to the City Gallery lately? Pop in, and have an advance look at what’s on…

www.city-gallery.org.nz

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32.21
PINTERESQUE

Betrayal, by Harold Pinter
A Backyard Theatre Production
At the Gryphon, 22 Ghuznee Street
Through 28 May 2005
In February 2005, Pinter announced that, after 29 stage plays, he wasn't writing any more, preferring to channel his energies into other activities, particularly poetry and politics. He said he was incensed by the betrayal of the people by the Labour Party and stated it as his mission to get rid of Tony Blair.
With his retirement from writing for theatre, could this production be seen, then, as part of a retrospective?
"It could", says Julia Harris, who plays Emma, "if the subject and the characters were in any way dated, but they're not. They ring as true in 2005 as they did in 1978. People don't fundamentally change, and Pinter was writing about the fundamentals of human nature."
Phil Peleton, who plays cuckolded husband Robert, agrees. "I think if you were going to have a retrospective, you'd have to put Betrayal in there. It's not as surreal as some of his earlier plays, but it's still concerned with the same issues - class, social conformity, role playing. To me these characters are constantly trying to redefine their roles and relationships. They're desperate to find affection and safety, but in that very brittle English way.
When Betrayal first appeared in 1978, it received some of the harshest reviews in theatrical history. Some critics saw Peter Hall's production as a shameless throwback to an era when the drama preferred to concern itself with adulterous husbands, "other" women, and interminably eternal triangles. Yet a revival in 1998, by Trevor Nunn to popular acclaim, showed that the script is as up to date as ever.
Emma's marriage to book publisher Robert, which had survived seven years of adultery, is now finally crumbling. At risk, also, is the friendship between Robert and Jerry, Emma's lover.
From this poignant starting point, Harold Pinter's award-winning play travels back in time, visiting pivotal points in the relationships between these three characters. We stop where the story actually begins—at a party, with a kiss. Who betrays whom, and how, is the essence of the play, told in Pinter's sparse yet eloquent style, and replete with his iconic pauses.
Husband and wife Mark and Julia Harris and colleague Phil Peleton are no strangers to the Wellington stage or to each other. They have all worked together as actors and singly as directors. Now, they bring their experience together directing each other's performances as a collaborative venture.
Says Mark Harris: "it's been a very interesting and stimulating process. We started rehearsals sitting and talking, rather than blocking. We shared a common understanding of the characters and the subtext of the piece before we moved onto the stage in earnest. So, the direction is seamless. I can't even tell who managed which bits now. I've directed Julia before, and we've both acted with Phil, but now we're all working so closely it's very exciting. There's a level of trust that belies the subject matter of the play."
Backyard's production of Betrayal is now on at the Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee St. and runs until 28 May. Shows are at 8pm, except on Sundays at 4pm. There are no performances on Mondays. Tickets are $20 ($15 for concessions and groups) and bookings can be made by phoning 0832 77202
http://www.backyardtheatre.co.nz/

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32.22
PLAYING WITH WORDS

Exploring and expanding expression through writing is the goal of a new creative writing course called WordPlay, facilitated by Ruth Pink and Marolyn Krasner.

WordPlay will get your creative juices flowing by offering a space to write, take risks, improvise, learn the art of eavesdropping, delight in language, explore different genres, work on character building and conflict, unblock your blocks and so much more.

WordPlay will run from April 28 to June 30 on Thursdays from 7 to 9pm and will be held at the Lighthouse Building/Karori Community Centre
235 Karori Road
04 476 4968
Term price $59/49 or $8/session

Word Play is for anyone interested in writing regardless of your level of experience.

For more information or to register please call or email:
Marolyn Krasner - 938 2545 marolyn@ureach.com
or Ruth Pink - 976 8087  pinkruth@clear.net.nz

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32.23
PHOTO NEWS

Hi from James at Photospace
 
You are invited to two new exhibitions, and a few courses, at Photospace gallery:
 
Wally's Place: 41 Michael St a series of black & white photographs by Mark Beehre, and Imperfect Visions of a Quiet Land by Jessica Parker. For images and background information, please visit www.exposed.co.nz
Both exhibitions run until June 10th.
 
Photocourse1, beginning 4th June and running part-time for 2 months (see www.photospace.co.nz/programme01.htm still has 1 or 2 places to fill (max. 8 participants), so please get in touch now if you're interested in doing the course. It will run again in Sept/Oct this year. The plan for next year is to run PC1 four times, accompanied by our intermediate-level PC2, running twice. There will also be some one-off workshops.
 
There's quite a lot happening around Wellington, photography-wise, at the moment or coming soon. Check out www.photospace.co.nz/whatson01.htm
 
Thanx,
James Gilberd
Photospace studio/gallery
1st floor, 37 Courtenay Place
Wellington, New Zealand
382 9502

Gallery hours: 10-4.30 Monday-Friday
11-3 Saturdays, closed public holidays
www.photospace.co.nz

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32.24
IN CAMERA

A record number of groups have entered this year¹s New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest 2005. A total of 562 entries comprising 2115 students have been received nationwide.

The 2005 contest involves students from Whangarei to Southland and some of this year’s entries read more like rock bands than classical ensembles. Students are encouraged to form a group and name the ensemble with a title that aptly represents their performing style.

The New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest is also New Zealand’s only national chamber music competition for young musicians and composers. Nineteen entries have been received for the contest’s Original Composition section.

The Original Composition section allows youngsters to put their music writing skills into practice, with up and coming composers encouraged enter an original work suitable for a chamber music ensemble. The winner of the Original Composition section will receive the SOUNZ prize of $500 and have their piece performed at the National Final alongside the competing groups.

National Organiser Megan Mannering says the increased entries in this year’s New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest shows that students get a buzz from playing music together and value performing in a chamber music setting.

The fourteen District Contests take place in June. Up to eight groups will then be selected by the adjudicators to compete in the prestigious National Final in Auckland on Saturday 6 August 2005.

The New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest is the longest running youth music competition in New Zealand and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It is organised by Chamber Music New Zealand.

About the contest

The contest was established by CMNZ President Arthur Hilton to encourage young musicians across New Zealand, regardless of standard or experience, to perform together and strive towards excellence. It was envisaged that all participants would be able to compete in a positive environment which asked the very best of them.

A total of 63 groups, comprising 220 students entered the first contest in 1965. Fourteen District Contests will be held nationwide in June. The team of adjudicators will then select up to eight groups to compete at the prestigious National Final in Auckland on Saturday 6 August.

Prizes are awarded at both the District Contests and the National Final.

Last year CMNZ established an email newsletter designed especially for contest participants, to keep them updated with CMNZ news, events and concert results. To receive regular email updates, students can email media@chambermusic.co.nz with their school name and region.

In 2004, CMNZ welcomed the New Zealand Community Trust on board as the new funder of the contest. The New Zealand Community Trust's association with the event, which is now known as the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest, was effective from the National Final in July last year.

About Chamber Music New Zealand

Chamber Music New Zealand presents local and international chamber music ensembles throughout New Zealand. Its annual Celebrity Season showcases premier international artists, while the Associate Societies programme focuses on New Zealand performers. The New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, fosters the musical stars of the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.chambermusic.co.nz/music-contest

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32.25
ALL IS MENDED

Wellington’s most fearless company The Bacchanals are thrilled to be able to announce an exciting, hilarious, wondrous, five-nights-only return season of their sell-out production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s classic comedy about a man who makes his girlfriend have sex with a horse. If you were one of the many folk turned away last time, here’s your chance to finally see the show; and if you saw it and loved it, here’s your chance to see it again!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream premiered at BATS Theatre in January and played to capacity houses throughout its run before undertaking a twelve-centre tour of New Zealand small towns. The Dominion Post called it “loud, boisterous and comical”, the Wanganui Chronicle praised the “stand-out performances”, the Waitomo News said it was “a superb redefinition” and added that “the energy and passion of this show will entice and delight you”, Hawkes Bay Today said it was “absurd and highly entertaining” and the Capital Times said it was “quite honestly one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen”, summing it up as “an unforgettable production”.
The short return season will play at Capital E’s McKenzie Theatre in Civic Square for just five nights only from Tuesday 10 May to Saturday 14 May as a prelude to another small-town tour in the middle of the year. What better tonic is there to take your mind off the impending approach of winter, and what better way is there to warm the blood than watching eight lithe, sweaty actors playing twenty-three different roles in two short hours? Iambic pentameter, astounding verse-speaking and lightning-quick costume changes combine under the influence of The Beatles, Where The Wild Things Are and The Simpsons to present Shakespeare’s comedy in a style you’ve never seen it in before. There is also a giant dog.
The show stars James Stewart, Alex Greig, Tina Helm, Irene Flanagan, Hadleigh Walker, Erin Banks and Natasya Yusoff, and is directed by David Lawrence, with lighting by Joshua Judkins.
The Bacchanals are a company dedicated to exploring text-based theatre, redefining classic works and making theatre accessible to all both economically and geographically. Previous productions include tours of Romeo and Juliet (“excellent” – NZ Listener; “the most engaging Shakespeare I’ve seen” – Sunday Star Times) and Twelfth Night (“with such multi-talented actors lifting the NZ cultural scene and making their work accessible to all, theatregoers of all ages may rejoice” – Wanganui Chronicle), a multi-media updating of Euripides’ The Bacchae (“The Bacchanals are to classical theatre what Jimi Hendrix is to the blues” – studentz.co.nz) and the NZ premiere of Sarah Kane’s Crave (“my god it’s beautiful” – The Package). For more information, history, pictures, gossip and scandal-mongering, visit their website at
www.thebacchanals.net

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32.26
WOW ME, WOW YOURSELF

Wellington Welcomes World of WearableArt with an Excessive Accessories Street Parade

Wellington City Council plans to welcome the Montana World of WearableArt Awards to town and celebrate the creativity in this city with a colourful and imaginative street parade. We’re looking for community artists and designers to register their interest in creating a work of art to be part of the parade.

The parade will be held at lunchtime on the opening day of the Montana World of WearableArt Awards on Friday 23 September when the city will be buzzing with excitement with many visitors and media will also be in town.

Excessive Accessories
The theme is about enhancing and exaggerating accessories in wild and wonderful ways and turning them into pieces of art. Everyday we use bags, suitcases and hats, and we ornament our body with jewellery, hats and scarves – this theme is a chance to recreate these ideas but in a much larger, colourful and wacky way!

One of the key aspects of this theme is size – the pieces must be over-sized, possibly even worn by more than one person. A giant hat containing an entire Wellington cityscape could be worn by two people. A huge suitcase may run on wheels and themed with travel concepts. A beautiful walking stick could be two metres tall and embellished with lots of items found on the seashore.

The works need to have impact from a distance so designers will need to think about colour and scale to create this effect.

How It Works
You need to come up with an idea based on the theme and then submit a sketch of your design on the attached form. A panel will then select 100 works to be created for the parade based on the designs. Wellington City Council will contribute $75 towards materials for each selected design (to be paid on provision of tax receipts).

Artists/designers are welcome to work as individuals or groups.

Some works will also be selected for an exhibition at the new Arts Centre in Abel Smith St after the parade.

Please email jessica.garland@wcc.govt.nz or call 801 3876 to get a copy of the design submission form.

Construction
The Excessive Accessories must be ‘worn’ in the parade. The route will take around 25 minutes to walk and must be lightweight, sturdy and safe to wear. Designers must provide their own person(s) to wear the work in the parade.

Parade Details
12.45pm Friday 23 September (Rain day Saturday 24 September)
Parade route: Parliament – Lambton Quay – Willis Street – Mercer – Civic Square.

World of WearableArt
From its beginnings in Nelson in 1987, creator Suzie Moncrieff’s unique concept of ‘taking art off the walls and adorning the moving body in wildy wonderful ways’™ has given thousands of designers in New Zealand and the world the inspiration to create amazing works of WearableArt. Wellington is very proud to host the Montana WOW™ Awards – an eight-show season held at the Events Centre from Friday 23 September.

For more info visit www.worldofwearableart.com

Höglang Art Glass Wellington will provide beautiful pieces of glass art the three most imaginative Excessive Accessories on the day.

Timeline
Final date for registration and sketch submission
Friday 5pm 17 June
Designers/artists advised of selection
Friday 24 June
Works due for parade preparation
Friday 9 September

This is a joint initiative between World of WearableArt and Wellington City Council. If you would like more information please contact:
Jessica Garland
jessica.garland@wcc.govt.nz
04 801 3876

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32.27
BARBARIANS RULE

http://www.barbarian.co.nz/

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32.28
WORTH THE DRIVE

14 May at 8pm
Expressions in Upper Hutt

Hinemoana Baker's ancestry - from the Otakou Peninsula to Horowhena and Maunga Taranak - is strong in her melodies, kaupapa and bi-lingual lyrics. She has an extraordinary vocal range which moves her from jazz diva to soprano, often within one song. Her fencing wire experimentation on the guitar, from folk to punk to rock to funk, is the perfect complement to her astonishing voice.

04 527 2168
www.expressions.org.nz

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32.29
MOSAIC LIFE WELLINGTON

Mosaic Life Wellington is a solo exhibition of works by Michael Coles, exploring his return to New Zealand and Wellington after five years in London.

New Zealand is a landscape mosaic. From the air, from the land, from the culture and people, and from the hours of dreamy contemplation that are an inevitable consequence of the art of mosaic – “the patient art”. Rivers that wind their way organic through rugged, bushy ranges, and the symmetrical shades of colour that mark paddocks. Detailed canopies inside the bush, or the view from the house of the southern belt. Sun, clouds, rain, and fog create an infinitely changing landscape for the imagination.

Mosaic Life Wellington captures the simplicity and complexity of this multi-dimensional landscape, and is a record – through the art of mosaic – of the journey home.

Mosaic Life Wellington
An exhibition of works by Michael Coles
May 9 – May 20, 2005
Vincents Art Studio Gallery
4th floor, 84 Willis St, Wellington (the old ‘Press House’ building)
www.vincentsartstudio.co.nz for hours
michaelcoles2000@yahoo.co.nz

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32.30
SCULPT IT

Sculpture Installation Proposals Sought
New Zealand sculptors are invited to submit concept proposals for a large installation sculpture for the Connells Bay Sculpture Park on Waiheke Island. It is intended that similar submissions will be sought on an annual basis.
Interested sculptors should submit a brief sketch of their proposed idea, along with a description of the work & medium, how it will be installed and a preliminary budget. Please also supply a CV of your previous work. Initial submissions must be received by 31 May 2005. The trustees will make their decision by 30 June 2005 and the selected sculpture is to be installed by the beginning of December 2005.
Proposals up to a maximum value of $10,000 (GST inclusive) will be considered. However, submissions will be assessed according to their merits regardless of their budget.  The sum awarded to the selected sculptor is to cover all the costs associated with the creative design, materials, fabrication, transportation and installation of the work. All works not selected this year may be considered for installation in subsequent years.
It is important that the work must be sufficiently robust to remain installed in a coastal/rural environment for at least 6 months. It will be exposed to rain, wind and sun. The installation may consist of a single structure or a number of structures that collectively make up the whole work. When the work is de-installed it will remain the property of Connells Bay Sculpture Park. If its condition allows, it may be re-erected again at a later date.
Connells Bay Sculpture Park operates through a charitable trust, the Creative Arts Trust. The trustees’ vision is to unite art and nature by planting sweeps of native trees and creating special places for commissioned site-specific, purchased and installation sculpture by New Zealand sculptors. The park currently contains 22 sculptures by some of New Zealand’s best known sculptors. The works are set in a coastal native bush environment with commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf.
New works are added each year and a gallery offering small and large works for sale is nearing completion. Over 700 visitors have enjoyed a guided walk throughout the property since it first opened in 2003.
Connells Bay Sculpture Park has been featured in the NZ Herald (see web-links below) and in the October 2004 issue of NZ House and Garden and more recently on Billy Connolly’s 2004 World Tour of New Zealand.
If this proposal is of interest to you then please send your submission no later than 31 May 2005. You are welcome to visit our website www.connellsbay.co.nz

Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Cowes Bay Road
Waiheke Island
T: 09 372 8957
e:info@connellsbay.co.nz
w: www.connellsbay.co.nz

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32.31
THREE WAY BALLET

Dance with daring: Royal NZ Ballet's new triple bill
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s new triple bill, The Peugeot Season of A Million Kisses to My Skin, reflects the company’s commitment to adventurous programming.
The season features Javier De Frutos’ much-feted Milagros, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto and the New Zealand premiere of David Dawson’s A Million Kisses to My Skin.
“This is dance with daring: ballet with a sense of adventure,” says Artistic Director Gary Harris.
“These works breathe new life into our classical traditions. They take the art form into challenging and exciting new territory,” he says.
The season borrows its name from Dawson’s passionately titled ballet A Million Kisses to My Skin. An elegant display of free-flowing classical technique, the work shows the qualities that earlier this year earned its creator a rare commission for Russia’s legendary Mariinsky Ballet Company, better known to New Zealanders by its old Soviet name The Kirov.
The 33-year-old Englishman is only the third foreign choreographer to be invited to create a new work on the Kirov in its 250-year history.
Says Harris: “David is a major choreographic talent. He has a deep reverence of ballet’s traditions, which he uses to create works with a modern energy.”
De Frutos’ riveting and ritualistic Milagros is set to a piano roll recording of Stravinsky’s iconic Rite of Spring. Described by The Guardian as "one of the great Rites" after its showing at Sadler's Wells last year, Milagros earned the Royal New Zealand Ballet an international reputation for gutsy programming and secured it invitations to perform in Sydney and this year’s San Francisco International Arts Festival.
In February the work received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best New Dance Production and helped De Frutos win Best Choreography (Modern) at Britain’s Critics’ Circle Dance Awards. Milagros last toured New Zealand in 2003.
The season marks the company’s first foray into the vast MacMillan repertory in more than 30 years. With its rise and shine charm, Concerto has become one of the late British choreographer’s most popular works.
Says Harris: “MacMillan was a master of the pas de deux and Concerto's second movement contains one of the most powerful and beautiful duets ever choreographed. It is without doubt one of his finest short works.”
Harris, who worked as an assistant to MacMillan in the 1990s, has updated the work’s costumes. The company has also commissioned a special New Zealand Symphony Orchestra recording of the Shostakovich score for its performances.
Peugeot New Zealand representative Steve Kenchington says: “This season showcases the dancers’ skills and artistic flair in a vibrantly modern, lively and exciting performance. We hope our investment promotes positive community awareness and encourages involvement.”
Wellington, Westpac St James Theatre
Thursday 12 May 7.30pm
Friday 13 May 7.30pm
Saturday 14 May 2.30pm
& 7.30pm
Sunday 15 May 6.30pm
Book at Ticketek 04 384 3840
Adult $30 - $65 Child $18 - $39

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32.32
STICKY BUSINESS

http://www.stickypictures.co.nz/

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32.33
SCHOOL OF POETS

ENTRIES CALLED FOR 2005 BELL GULLY POETRY AWARD
Entries have now opened for this year’s $1,000 Bell Gully National Schools’ Poetry Award, to be announced in Wellington in August. The Award, which is organised by Victoria University’s International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) and supported by leading law firm Bell Gully will be judged by the North Canterbury poet and playwright Bernadette Hall.
The winner will receive a $500 cash prize; a $500 book grant for their school’s library; a year’s membership to the New Zealand Book Council; and subscriptions to leading literary journals Landfall and Sport. Entries close on 10 June 2005.
The winning poet will be announced at a reception in Wellington during the Bell Gully National Schools’ Writing Festival (20-21 August) ? a chance for young writers across all genres to work with some of the country’s leading fiction writers, poets, and scriptwriters. Schools are invited to nominate gifted year 12 or 13 students to attend the Festival, which also offers workshops for teachers of creative writing with support from the Ministry of Education.
Entry and nomination forms have been sent to English departments at all secondary schools and can also be downloaded from www.vuw.ac.nz/modernletters/activities

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32.34



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32.35
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING WRITERS

Creative New Zealand maintains a list of New Zealand artists and arts events travelling internationally. It includes dates, venues and contact details, and is made available to all New Zealand diplomatic posts, the arts community and the media.  It is posted on the Creative New Zealand website and updated regularly.  If you are aware of a New Zealand artist/s travelling who may wish to feature on this list, please forward these links to Creative New Zealand’s website to them where you will find the current list and relevant contact details.
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/our-work/international/index.html
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/our-work/audience/index.html

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32.36
GIVE IT UP

The Art of Nothing
'Stripped' to the Basics, Melissa Ichiuji Contemplates the World's Excesses

Fron the Washington Post
Wednesday, May 11, 2005; Page C01

There is a woman silently sitting on a platform in front of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She's wearing thin white drawstring pants and a white sports bra, and she's barefoot. She looks exposed. She looks vulnerable. She looks like she might be making a statement about one of those causes that typically cause you to look away.
Next to her platform is a row of clear glass jars, some empty, some filled with urine, that she has been using as a bathroom since 6 o'clock yesterday morning. It all makes her a bit suspect to the lunchtime crowd in downtown Washington. But it turns out she's neither a crackpot nor an extremist in a town that can sometimes bend toward both. She's just a performance artist in the final 36 hours of "Stripped," her performance piece (or "non-performance" piece, as she calls it). It is the last leg of a month-long journey toward little and less, and, in these final hours, public privation.

Read more…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/10/AR2005051001623.html

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32.37
WORKING ON HAMLET

Online Database Will Hold the Mirror Up to 'Hamlet,' Gathering Every Commentary on the Play

More has been written about Hamlet than about any other Shakespeare play, and attitudes toward the work's main character have shifted over time, says Eric C. Rasmussen, a professor of English at the University of Nevada at Reno.
"Victorians saw Hamlet as a wilted wallflower, but in the 60s he was sort of the prototypical angry young man," says Mr. Rasmussen, who is also the university's director of graduate studies. "The way people think about Hamlet seems to be a mirror for the way we view our current cultural moment."
Mr. Rasmussen should know. He has spent the past 10 years working with a team of scholars to compile every piece of scholarship and criticism about the play, and then to link it, line by line, to the text in an online database. The mammoth project, supported by some $1-million in grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, is nearing completion -- although editors plan to add to it as they find more material.
"If you are interested in a particular line of the play, to be able to see 400 years' worth of commentary on that line is pretty remarkable," he says.

Read more
http://chronicle.com/free/2005/05/2005051001t.htm

www.hamletworks.org

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32.38
DEALING WITH MOVIES

http://www.slate.com/id/2118243/

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32.39
TELLING TALES

Wellington Storytellers’ Cafe at the New Arts Centre

The Storytellers’ Café is the home of storytelling in the Capital. From 7:30 – 9 pm on the first Tuesday of every month except January, the café is open to everyone.  Come along to the next session at the new arts centre, 61-63 Abel Smith Street. All you need to do is bring your ears!  Each month a different teller takes the stage, and there is always room for offerings from the audience.  Cost is $5, tea, coffee and nibbles are provided.

CONTACT:021-687-627

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32.40
lovepossibly
A TOTALLY IMPROVISED CHICK FLICK
WHERE YOU CALL THE SHOTS
8pm, Tue 10 - Sat 14 May
Not just another romantic comedy! lovepossibly is a totally improvised ‘chick flick’ where the audience will call the shots. The show is being brought to the stage for the International Comedy Festival by the Wellington Improvisation Troupe’s Improv Divas (“highly inventive”– National Business Review).
“Love and long-form improvisation are high-stakes games for consenting adults only. Over the course of one hour, six of Wellington’s best improvisers are going to attempt to find true love without a script” explains Diva Nicola Hill. “There could well be broken hearts.”
lovepossibly is the first improv RomCom in the country. “We were inspired by movies like ‘Four Flops and a Turkey’, ‘Nothing Hill’ and ‘Bridget’s Dairy Intolerance’” says Hill, “But this show will appeal to all improv lovers. It represents a rare opportunity to see a long-form improv comedy show in New Zealand.”

Launched at BATS in 2001, the Divas are New Zealand’s first all-female improvisation act. They will be joined on stage by WIT’s leading men. Featuring Clare Kerrison, Danielle Hodgson, Kirstin Price, Nicola Hill, Barry Miskimmin, Nigel Chin, Simon Smith and Paul Sullivan.
PG Adult Themes.

When: 8pm, Tue 10 - Sat 14 May 2005
Where: BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace.
Bookings: 0(4) 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz Door sales available
How much: Only $15 full price, $12 unwaged/groups 8+... so it's a cheap date! How long: These are 60 minute shows.
Website: Visit wit.org.nz to read more about WIT, including upcoming shows and details of courses to learn improvisation.

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32.41
COPY THIS

Applications open for major non-fiction awards:
New Zealand writers of non-fiction books are invited to apply for two grants, each worth $35,000, in this year’s Copyright Licensing Ltd (CLL) Writers’ Awards.

The CLL Writers’ Awards were established in 2002 and are financed from copyright licensing revenue collected by CLL on behalf of authors and publishers. This is the second time that two awards of $35,000 each have been provided.

Last year, the awards were presented to two Dunedin-based writers to enable them to devote time to a specific non-fiction writing project and to provide reasonable research expenses for their projects. Poet and critic David Eggleton, and writer and academic Lloyd Spencer Davis were each awarded $35,000.

Eggleton is using his award to work on a contemporary guide to New Zealand cultural history. Spencer Davis describes his work-in-progress as a science book – the unravelling of Darwin and Darwinism – but also part travelogue, part personal memoir. He says that the award “offers the prospect of the one commodity a writer really needs – a period of uninterrupted time”.

A grant of $30,000 was awarded in 2002 to Sarah Quigley to write a biography of poet and patron of writers, Charles Brasch. In 2003, a $35,000 grant was awarded to Dr Paul Miller, a senior lecturer at Victoria University’s School of English, Film and Theatre, for a biography of one of this country’s most important literary scholars and cultural theorists, Bill Pearson.

The Board of Copyright Licensing Ltd (made up of authors and publishers) encourages all established writers of non-fiction to consider applying for one of the two awards on offer this year. It is hoping to encourage applications from writers with interests in the sciences, business, Maori and Pacific studies, the arts and beyond. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and writers of proven merit.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 15 July 2005. The two winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a special ceremony to be held on Tuesday 20 September 2005.

Click on the link below for full application details.
http://www.copyright.co.nz/writersaward.htm

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32.42
COLD CHILLIN’ AT THE DOWSE

The New Cool
May - August 2005
The Dowse Art Museum

The New Cool are dancing to their own version of the commercial beat and reshaping the way we think about business.

The New Cool showcases the stories of 12 young New Zealand companies, celebrating creative business outside the 9 to 5. Defying the 'slacker' reputation of youth culture, companies (including Dawn Raid Entertainment, Huffer Clothing, Loop Aot(ear)roa Recordings, Disruptiv, Illicit, Sidhe Interactive, and Insidious Fix), have successfully transformed their creative passions into business dollars.

These inspirational stories are all about big ideas
and very small beginnings, the hard years, the timely successes, the concept of 'co-opitition' that comes from working with and for your mates, and the simple satisfaction of waking up each day and loving what
you do.

The New Cool is a highly interactive multi-media event that will be on show at The Dowse from late May - August 30, 2005.

Free Seminars: A series of free seminars will also run alongside the exhibition giving visitors the opportunity to meet the directors of some the The New Cool companies and learn how to develop a positive entrepreneurial attitude.

More info at: www.dowse.org.nz

Where: The Dowse Lower Hutt (04) 570 6500
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32.43
OH HAPPY DAY

What’s on at Happy…

Thurs 12 8pm
TAGTEAM IMPROV
 
ANTHONY PATERAS / SEAN BAXTER / DAVID BROWN /  GERARD CREWDSEN / ANTHONY DONALDSON / TOM CALLWOOD / CHRIS O'CONNOR / SIMON O'RORKE / KIERAN MONAGHAN / JONNY MARKS / ISAAC SMITH / JOE CALLWOOD / CRAIG TAYLOR / LEILA ADU and more
 
FRI 13th! 8pm
ANTHONY PATERAS / ANTHONY DONALDSON DUO
LAZY - David Brown / Sean Baxter Duo
 
10pm
BLACK LOTUS
noise, grindcore, sound art, metal general plunder with
JANETTE HOWARD
ARSECRACK
PATERAS / BAXTER / BROWN ELECTRONOISE
TWO PRONGED SYNTHI ATTACK
THEBIS MUTANTE / MR STERILE DUO
 
Sat 14th 10pm
 
PATERAS / BAXTER / BROWN with the DODECAHEDRONS ORCHESTRA and the NOT QUITE QUIET CHOIR
 
and next week
 
MAY 19 - 22
 
the ECSTASY TRIO
JEFF HENDERSON / TOM CALLWOOD / CHRIS O'CONNOR
 
and past that
 
May 25/26
ZIRKUS
 
May 27
SCRIBES OF RA
 
May 28
AFRICAN DANCE PARTY by WAAKILES
 
June 2
CONSOLE 6508
 
June 4
DITZY SQUALL
 
and lots more to come…including BOMB THE SPACE 2005!

Happy
corner Vivian and Tory Streets
PO Box 9069
Wellington
New Zealand
+64 4 384 1965
www.happy.net.nz

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32.44
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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32.45
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
Wellington Arts Centre
61-69 Abel Smith Street
Wellington, New Zealand
Arts@wcc.govt.nz
04-385-1929
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THE NO. 8 WIRE INTERVIEW CONTINUES

The Octo-numerical Query.
A batch of questions is presented.
A creative person answers.
http://www.octonumerical.blogspot.com/

MELISSA WYMAN

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in), beginning with your place of birth.

I was born on a hippie commune in Summertown, Tennessee but grew up in California: I lived in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Santa Cruz (all in California), Bologna (Italy) for 1 year, Nagoya (Japan) for 3 and a half years, Palmerston North, then Wellington (New Zealand) 2 years so far.
 
What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

The story my mom used to tell of me and another two year old girl attempting to make a scrambled egg breakfast for our sleeping mothers before they woke up. We cracked a dozen eggs perfectly in a mixing bowl, but didn’t know what to do after that – luckily one of the moms woke up before we pored the bowl of the egg mixture directly on the stove.
 
What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence?

James Taylor and Joni Mitchell
 
For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?

Louise Bourgeois, Mona Hatoum, and Janine Antoni

What is your dream of happiness?

A life full of travel, expression, body movement, and play
 
Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, and my grandmother.
 
Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Henry and June. Blue.
 
What was your first real job? second? third?

Artist, Art Tutor, Artist
(I also worked as a gift wrapper, housepainter, waitress, and English teacher)
 
If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?

Chicken and Avocado Salad
 
Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

The Rainbow Goblins, Where the Wild Things Are, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
 
What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Anything I’ve done that was mediocre, - but I’ve moved on.
 
What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

A 14 year old boy playing the drums downtown Wellington. I found him very inspiring.
 
In one sentence, can you define art?

No

But if I had to try I would say that art is any form of expression or communication that raises the bar for our understanding of our inner and outer selves.
 
What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Keep at it and put your work out there as much as you can. Don’t worry if people don’t have the same taste as you do.
 
Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

Spain
 
What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Sell a painting for $100,000 then go backpacking for a year.
 
Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Sell a painting for $100,000 then go backpacking for a year. I’ve got a few other ideas for performance pieces that I’d like to work on but their still brewing.
 
What one question would you add to this Query?

Do you have a favourite quote or expression you’d like to be remembered by?
 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Travel, Art, Play and Other Stories: My recent work ‘Homebody’ is made from a well worn suitcase that I’ve had since I was 12. Using recycled materials and pieced together travel stories, I am exploring identity in constant flux mediated through the body, as a transitional home of interpretations.

I studied at University of California, Santa Cruz with a year in Bologna, Italy where I focused on contemporary art, painting and marble sculpture. I graduated with a BFA then moved to Japan where I lived and worked as an English teacher and artist for 3 and a half years before coming to New Zealand. After doing a year in electronic multi-media/ computer arts then a post grad diploma in fine arts, focusing on conceptual art, performance and installation, I’ve decided it’s time to seriously play. I now work as an Extramural Tutor at The Learning Connexion and work on my projects from home.

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ENDNOTE
A poet sits in a pub, reads dreary verse, is told of the virtues of strong drink by merry-makers, counters with the notion of poisons for the soul, explains humanity to the pub.


Terence, This is Stupid Stuff
by A. E. Housman

“Terence, this is stupid stuff!
You eat your victuals fast enough;
There can’t be much amiss, ’tis clear,
To see the rate you drink your beer.
But oh, good Lord, the verse you make,
It gives a chap the belly-ache!
The cow, the old cow, she is dead;
It sleeps well, the horned head...
We poor lads, ’tis our turn now
To hear such tunes as killed the cow!
Pretty friendship ’tis to rhyme
Your friends to death before their time
Moping melancholy mad!
Come, pipe a tune to dance to, lad!”

Why, if ’tis dancing you would be,
There’s brisker pipes than poetry.
Say, for what were hop-yards meant,
Or why was Burton built on Trent?
Oh many a peer of England brews
Livelier liquor than the Muse,
And malt does more than Milton can
To justify God’s ways to man.
Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink
For fellows whom it hurts to think:
Look into the pewter pot
To see the world as the world’s not.

And faith, ’tis pleasant till ’tis past:
The mischief is that ’twill not last.
Oh I have been to Ludlow fair
And left my necktie God knows where,
And carried half way home, or near,
Pints and quarts of Ludlow beer:
Then the world seemed none so bad,
And I myself a sterling lad;
And down in lovely muck I’ve lain,
Happy till I woke again.
Then I saw the morning sky:
Heigho, the tale was all a lie;
The world, it was the old world yet,
I was I, my things were wet,
And nothing now remained to do
But begin the game anew.

Therefore, since the world has still
Much good, but much less good than ill,
And while the sun and moon endure
Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,
I’d face it as a wise man would,
And train for ill and not for good.
’Tis true, the stuff I bring for sale
Is not so brisk a brew as ale:
Out of a stem that scored the hand
I wrung it in a weary land.
But take it: if the smack is sour,
The better for the embittered hour;
It should do good to heart and head
When your soul is in my soul’s stead;
And I will friend you, if I may,
In the dark and cloudy day.

There was a king reigned in the East:
There, when kings will sit to feast,
They get their fill before they think
With poisoned meat and poisoned drink.
He gathered all the springs to birth
From the many-venomed earth;
First a little, thence to more,
He sampled all her killing store;
And easy, smiling, seasoned sound,
Sate the king when healths went round.
They put arsenic in his meat
And stared aghast to watch him eat;
They poured strychnine in his cup
And shook to see him drink it up:
They shook, they stared as white’s their shirt:
Them it was their poison hurt.
--I tell the tale that I heard told.
Mithridates, he died old.