By Elisabeth Easther - 17 Dec 2010
Elisabeth Easther drops some hints as to what she'd like for Christmas.
Elisabeth Easther is an actor, writer, arts-lover, broadcaster, mum – and now, blogger. Over the next few months, Elisabeth will be sharing her opinion on all things Festival.
All I want for Christmas are two front row
seats!
Some people I know can't wait for Christmas to come, some can't
wait for it to be over - ditto the school holidays - but me, I
can't wait for the Auckland Arts Fest to kick off in March 2011,
because this is surely the best array of events ever.
Which means I'll be blocking out my diary (note to self: obtain
2011 diary) from March the 2nd to the 20th during which time I
intend to immerse myself in culture, saturate myself in
stage-craft, and clog my art-eries with music, dance and drama.
I want to get my creative licence.
I'll take my son Theo, who'll be 5 and newly in school to as
many productions as appropriate for his age, and blow his little
mind with wild things, weird things and just plain wonderful
things.
So Santa, if you're listening, we'd like tickets to the
following in our stocking.
Vietnamese Water Puppets Thang
Long Troupe
This looks mesmerising. Set outdoors, this enchanting show tells
stories of village life, featuring dragons, puppets and a live
band. Reviewers hurl superlatives at them wherever they go. Get in
quick for this popular show.
Gaff Aff Zimmermann & de
Perrot
The Swiss company Gaff Aff described as being like physical
theatre meets silent-movie-style comedy, with touches of circus and
live DJing. Some have called it an awe-inspiring, theatrical
rollercoaster ride - and judging by the trailer on youtube, that'd be about right.
Paper Sky - A Love Story Red
Leap Theatre
These guys are on a roll after the huge success of The Arrival
in 2009 that has thrilled audiences around the globe. This festival
they'll be telling the fairytale story of Henry, a loner, and the
mysterious Lumina, and you can guarantee there'll be magic in
abundance.
www.redleaptheatre.co.nz
New ZealandSymphony
Orchestra Family Concert NZSO
There's no way we'll miss the NZSO's family concert. They'll be
playing the themes from Star Wars and ET, amongst other things,
which will endear them to anyone who sleeps with a light sabre. If
this does tickle your fancy though, you'll want to book for now, as
these concerts always sell out.
Passing Wind Linsey
Pollak
Linsey Pollak blow minds when he blows his musical vegetables.
Who knew there was a band inside the vegetable crisper? From
carrots to garden hoses, musical magician Linsey Pollak transforms
everyday objects into a dazzling array of instruments. And
kids who like to help can participate in the creation and playing
of these instruments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWbj7FYEi3M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hBqgp9JGOo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu60MwpMiow
And because we're not all made of money, there is a fabulous
event on March 13th, the Auckland Arts Festival Family
Day, a feast of free stuff including art, music and stories for the
entire family, including a free Festival Garden Party with
workshops, competitions and fun activities.
Clearly, this brief list is just the tip of the festival's
iceberg. But if you're struggling with what to give loved ones this
Christmas, do try a few festival tickets, you just cant go wrong
and it'll astound people with your thoughtfulness.