Young Men Run Rings Around Stereotypes in Up Close

At a time when daily news headlines are full of murder, rape and violent crimes, committed mostly by men, Massive Company’s latest show Up Close Out Loud is a welcome reminder that not all young men are monsters.

Hailed as the hit of last years international Contacting the World theatre festival in Manchester, England, Up Close Out Loud is a bold and intimate celebration of young New Zealand males. Audiences are taken on a 60-minute journey through the hearts and hopes of eight young actors who bring a feisty, honest and courageous energy to the stage.

Up Close Out Loud received an overwhelming response from international audiences at Contacting the World and sold out it’s debut Auckland season last year.

The fresh and explosive cast worked intensively for eight months, weaving fragments of their personal memories and experiences into a theatrical montage of story, music and wild physicality – creating a show that every young male, mother, sister, girlfriend, brother and father should see.

The cast is from wide and varied backgrounds, reflecting the melting pot that is Auckland today and offering a diverse sample of the issues young men face.

Massive Company, who took the widely celebratedThe Sons of Charlie Paora to London in 2004, is renowned for producing powerful and evocative theatre showcasing young emerging actors. Madeleine Sami (Sione’s Wedding), Miriama McDowell (No.2), Joe Folau (King Kong, No.2), and many others hail from Massive’s stable. Massive is regarded as a world leader in youth theatre, with a voice and the courage to share the stories of those who make the work.

“Massive is a company that is having enormous success in creating a distinctive New Zealand style of theatre, using the country’s extraordinary mix of cultural traditions to develop performance of world quality….Massive is one of very few companies internationally producing relevant, professional level work by younger performers.” John McGrath, Artistic Director, Contact Theatre , Manchester, England.

Massive Company founder and director Sam Scott said being involved with Contacting the World was a huge privilege. “We got to Manchester with Up Close Out Loud and blew the socks off every other theatre company there. The guys bowled them over with their explosiveness and raw energy. It was a very proud experience to be part of”

THE EDGE® Public Programmes Development Manager Sally Markham, who was largely responsible for bringing Contact Theatre and Massive Company together, says she is delighted to be working with Massive again on Up Close Out Loud. “The challenge this time around is to present a new face on an old show. This is never easy but the cast are all one year older and their stories have changed so this needs to be reflected in the work.”

Up Close Out Loud cast includes; Jack Haldane-Willis (Grey Lynn), Kitan Petkovski (Onehunga), Scott Cotter (Mt Wellington), Misiarona Puni (Otara), Winston Harris (Glenfield), Dominic Ona-Ariki (Papatoetoe), Ashley Jones (Howick), Tainui Tukiwaho (Avondale).

Directed by Sam Scott and Carla Martell – The team behind The Sons of Charlie Paora and 100 Cousins.

Performance details:
Where: Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, The Edge
When: 30 April – 6 May, 8pm, $12.50
Student Matinees: Tues 1st May, Weds 2nd May, Thurs 3 May, 12:30pm $5 students and teachers
Tickets: www.ticketek.co.nz 09 307 5000

Pay As You Like Night, 1st May, which means those interested in seeing the show pay whatever they like. This initiative is aimed at expanding theatre audiences. To register for Pay As You Like contact nicoler@the-edge.co.nz or phone 09 307 5092.

For more information contact: www.massivecompany.co.nz

Notes:
Contacting the World was granted the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture’s quality label in 2005 in recognition of its value by UNESCO.

THE EDGE® is proud to be supporting Up Close Out Loud in partnership with Massive Company as part of Ignite07 www.ignite.co.nz

ENDS

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