The Arrival Returns To Auckland

Media Release: 16 April 2011: For Immediate Release

CHAPMAN TRIPP POWERHOUSE “ARRIVES” ONCE MORE IN AUCKLAND!

Red Leap Theatre in partnership with THE EDGE presents
THE ARRIVAL
Adapted from the graphic novel of Shaun Tan
Directed and devised by Julie Nolan, Kate Parker and company

Having swept the 2010 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards after captivating audiences of all ages, one of New Zealand theatre’s most stunning and innovative works returns to Auckland in 2012, as The Arrival plays the ASB Theatre, THE EDGE from July 13th for three shows only!

What drives so many people to leave behind everything they know to journey alone to a land where the future is unknown? Fleeing an oppressive force and leaving behind his wife and child, a man travels vast oceans in search of a better life. He encounters indecipherable languages, peculiar customs, curious animals and dazzling architecture. Baffled and bewildered, he endeavours to find a home, a job and the security he needs to reunite his family.

After it’s incredible debut at Auckland Arts Festival 2009 (developed as part of the “Watch This Space” initiative), The Arrival has gone on to elicit universal acclaim as it toured across the pacific rim – including Sydney Festival 2010, Hong Kong Arts Festival 2010 and the NZ International Arts Festival 2010. The show has recently been picked up by the Seoul and Busan International Arts Festivals with seasons in May 2012.

The Arrival is an adaption of a graphic novel by 2011 Academy Award winner Shaun Tan. The novel has been awarded the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award, the Western Australia Premier’s Book Award Premier’s Prize and the Children’s Book Council of Australia “Picture Book of The Year”.

Like Shaun Tan’s book this production is a tribute to migrants, refugees and displaced people worldwide. It is ultimately a story of overcoming hardship, of humanity and of hope – amalgamating what some would cite as “conventional” theatre with puppetry, music, movement and shadow play; all of which has sent hearts and imaginations to a land of flying ships, strange birds and travelling balloons.

The Arrival features no English language. Instead the narrative is driven by a highly physical and talented cast of ten actors including original creator and director Kate Parker, Jarod Rawiri (Matariki, Brothers Size), Alison Bruce (The Almighty Johnsons, Calendar Girls), Sally Stockwell (After the Waterfall, Outrageous Fortune) and Jared Turner (The Almighty Johnsons, Go Girls) to name a few.

The production boasts an original score by Andrew McMillian, lighting design by Jeremy Fern, costume design by Elizabeth Whiting, set design by John Verryt and a world of marvellous creatures and imagery by Kate Parker, Simon Coleman and Jessika Verryt.
"…grand, expansive, enchanting, hypnotic spectacle"
- Janet McAllister, NZ Herald

“… a highlight of the Festival... a visual feast... a mesmerizing, enthralling production rapturously received that speaks both of the past yet to the present. Don't miss it.”
- Glen Coleman, The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)

The Arrival was originally commissioned by Auckland Arts Festival 2009
This season is presented in partnership with THE EDGE, Regional Facilities Auckland

THE ARRIVAL plays
Friday 13 & Saturday 14 July at 7.30pm. Sunday 15 July at 4pm.
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE
Pre Show Forum in ASB Theatre Foyer: Friday 13 July, 6.30pm – 7pm.
Show Duration: 80 minutes
Tickets: $25 - $65 (plus ticketing fees). Family packages and group prices also available.
Bookings through THE EDGE – www.buytickets.co.nz or 0800 BUY TICKETS
For company news and updates visit www.facebook.com/redleaptheatre

ENDS

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