BATS Theatre to become a hive of political performance

Media Release

BATS Theatre to become a hive of political performance

18 August 2014

What do Winston Peters, a savage and wild barbarian, Karl Marx, and a group of dusky maidens have in common? They’re all part of #RaucousCaucus2014, a two week festival of political performance taking over BATS Theatre from the 26th of August.

Presented by BATS and the No Fefe Collective, #RaucousCaucus2014 is a coalition of artists coming together right in the middle of the election campaign determined to make Wellingtonians laugh, think, and vote.

Over 20 actors will take the stage for PSA: Election Special, the seventh season of the No Fefe Collective’s irreverent and hilarious political satire show. Already the campaign antics of both the major and minor political parties has provided a lot of material for the “We don't discriminate or take sides, we make fun of everyone!” says PSA director Anya

Tate Manning is a producer for the Festival, which includes renowned New Zealand theatre maker Jo Randerson’s 20th anniversary staging of her solo show Banging Cymbal Clanging Gong.

Tate Manning will also appear on stage herself, reprising her role as the Labour Party’s Auckland central candidate Jacinda Ardern in PSA: Election Special and taking on the identity of none other than Karl Marx in a two night season of Howard Zinn’s ‘play on history’ Marx In Soho.

Other shows in the Festival include award winning comedian James Nokise’s VIP (Voter Information Pack) and for one night only The Dusky Maidens and Noble Savages will take over Understudy, the BATS bar, with a powerful and humorous evening of Māori and Pacific poets sharing their work through the spoken word, including notable writers Maraea Rakuraku and Karlo Mila.

The Great Political Comedy Debate on Thursday 28th August will bring together a panel of six local identities, including actor Ginette McDonald (Lynn of Tawa, Ground Force) and Wellington City Deputy Mayor Justin Lester, to engage in passionate public argument over politics and art. Ticket sales will go towards Fly BATS Home, the campaign to raise funds to fit out BATS’ 1 Kent Terrace home which is undergoing significant earthquake strengthening and renovations.

“We wanted to find a way to encourage people, especially young people, to take an interest in the New Zealand political landscape and get voting come September 20th,” says BATS Programme Manager Cherie Jacobson.

“What better way than to have a whole lot of talented performers and inspiring shows turn BATS into a hive of political entertainment for two whole weeks. It’s going to be unlike anything else happening in the city during the election campaign ­ we can’t wait!”

#RaucousCaucus2014

Tuesday 26 August ­ Saturday 6 September

For full show listings and ticket prices see http://bats.co.nz/

BATS Theatre
Corner of Cuba and Dixon Streets
Wellington
(04) 802 4176

ENDS

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