Apollo 13 – about to blast onto the world stage

Photo Phillip Merry

Downstage Theatre - Media Release

Released 18/10/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apollo 13: Mission Control – about to blast onto the world stage

The interactive smash hit returns to Downstage

“I defy anyone not to feel an adrenaline surge as the rockets ignite.”
Review: Sydney Opera House season - Sydney Morning Herald

In the 1960’s the space race was at its peak and the APOLLO Moon Program was the absolute forefront of innovation. Working with a fraction of the technology we take for granted today, they managed to reach out for the Moon.

In 2010, APOLLO is again at the forefront of technology and innovation, exploring new frontiers in the performing arts. HACKMAN have re-created the iconic story of APOLLO 13, designing a full scale replica of NASA’s Mission Control that puts audiences in the hot seat.

Photo Phillip Merry

Since the premier of Apollo 13: Mission Control at BATS Theatre in 2008, the production has gone on to win awards (Chapman Trip Award for Most Original Play and Best Sound Design) and widespread acclaim, touring New Zealand and overseas, including a season at the Sydney Opera House.

Most recently at the NZ Designer’s Institute’s Best Awards, which recognises some of this country’s best architects and interior designers it beat the competition including the New Zealand Supreme Court building. The judges commented: “The finely calibrated construction of this dynamic, interactive set design makes the audience an integral part of the performance. This project has undoubtedly created a compelling and memorable theatre experience, and marks a new direction in performance design.”

Some of Apollo 13’s success can be attributed to its widespread appeal, as a rare show that is equally popular with adult, family and youth audiences. Capital E National Theatre for Children Creative Producer Stephen Blackburn feels that it is the interactive nature of the show that engages such a wide range of audiences: “Apollo13 is one of those gems of theatre that can be enjoyed by all ages. In fact it’s the way that families engage with the interactive nature of the experience that makes this work a hit.” Stephen adds “I was particularly taken with the audiences that had families working as teams to solve the problems and it was often the young who were keen to step up and offer the solution.”

After this Wellington season, HACKMAN are in the final stages of planning a visit to the home of space exploration with a tour of Canada and the United States.

Apollo 13: Mission Control

Dates: 30 OCT – 18 DEC

Times: 6:30pm Tue-Wed and 8pm Thu-Sat.

Matinees: 4pm Saturdays (6 Nov, 13 Nov, 20 Nov, 27 Nov (2pm), 4 Dec & 11 Dec)

Prices: $50 – Mission Control (Interactive) and $35 – (Press Gallery)

Meet the Artists: Tue 2/11

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz Downstage is proudly sponsored by BNZ.

Photo Phillip Merry

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