Like There's No Tomorrow

AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY MEDIA RELEASE
LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW

For immediate release.

The world premiere of a new New Zealand work performed by 30 of the country's brightest young stars opens at The Basement on 26 July. Auckland Theatre Company presents LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW by The PlayGround Collective, a unique theatrical experience in which audiences are so immersed, they're practically propping up the bar.

It's the school after-ball. It's cancelled. It's illegal. And you're invited.

Several weeks ago a student died at a party on the Shore. Drunk and daring, he dived off a roof into a swimming pool, but missed the pool. As a result of the tragedy, the after-ball has been banned. But, whatever - rules are made to be broken and Joseph's friends are brewing up a night to remember. Some, though, just want to forget.

Based on an original concept by Auckland Theatre Company's Associate Producer Lynne Cardy in partnership with The Playground Collective, and in the spirit of other highly popular, experiential theatre phenomena currently spanning the globe, including New York's SLEEP NO MORE, multi-city theatre experience THE HOTEL PROJECT, Sydney's LOVELY UGLY, and ATC's recent SLEEPOVER, LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW is a fully-immersive experience. A provocative, roving encounter. The after-ball to end all after-balls. At the party, audiences are invited to move from room to room, from scene to scene, to get up close with the characters and unlock their every secret. The party is outlawed; there's definitely no time to sit still.

The work, which has been a year in development in Auckland Theatre Company's Creative Development Unit, explores the reckless abandon that drives young people, and the impact of intergenerational and binge drinking in this country.

According to Co-director, Eleanor Bishop, "We've made this show based on the stories of the actors who are aged 16 to 23. We're aiming to add a different perspective on a highly divisive issue - as well as hearing from the alcohol industry, we should spend more time listening to the young people themselves, who all feel the effects when something goes wrong and tragedy happens."

A point echoed by Co-Director Robin Kerr, "According to research, New Zealand is losing the equivalent of one young person a week in alcohol-related deaths. Binge drinking is an epidemic that as a nation we revel in, ignoring the risks and costs. Yet we all - myself included - keep on at it, participating in a drinking culture that's killing us. Could we stop?"

The PlayGround Collective is a New Zealand theatre company that develops innovative and imaginative theatre based on good storytelling. Their previous work includes the acclaimed The Intricate Art of Actually Caring which played in Auckland in 2010 and has toured New Zealand. The Collective was formed in 2007 by Eli Kent (Arts Foundation New Generation Artist, Bruce Mason Award Winner), Eleanor Bishop (Chapman Tripp Award Most Promising New Director 2009) and Robin Kerr (Master of Theatre Arts graduate from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School).

"We are really excited to be collaborating with the PlayGround Collective on this project. They bring a distinct aesthetic, a sense of theatrical adventure and great writing to the young cast. Like There's No Tomorrow will take over The Basement entirety for its season - we're hoping it's going to be an unforgettable experience not just for the audiences, but for the performers and everyone involved," says Lynne Cardy.

Auckland Theatre Company's Creative Development Unit is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers and theatre-goers by supporting and maintaining the creation and development of new New Zealand work. The Creative Development Unit comprises ATC Literary, ATC Education and ATC Participate. For more information, please visit www.atc.co.nz

ENDS

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW
By The PlayGround Collective

Location
The Basement
Lower Greys Avenue, Auckland

Dates
Youth Preview - 25 July, 8pm
Preview - 26 July, 8pm
Opening Night (Reviewer's Night) - 27 July, 8pm
Closing Night - 10 August, 8pm

Booking
09 309 3395 or www.liketheresnotomorrow.co.nz

Cast
Emily Campbell, Jessica Choy, James Collyer, Leilani Dave-Ekepati, Joanna Dibley, Giverny Forbes, Andrew Gunn, Lucas Haugh, Kengo Hosaka, Holly Hudson, Emily Johnson, Kynan Johnson Jones, Albertine Jonas, Lole Kata, Melody Knapp, Terry Morrison, Isaac Nonu, Erin O'Flaherty, Iana Pauga, Lajja Prajapati, Shavon Robson, Aman Singh, Matt Smith, Rebecca Smith, Samantha Tippet, Sarah Trass, Dylan Underwood, Ana Ung, Albert Walker and Caleb Wells

Creative team
Eli Kent - Playwright
Eleanor Bishop and Robin Kerr - Co-Directors
Lynne Cardy - Producer
Jessica Verryt - Set and Costume Designer
Gareth Hobbs - Sound Designer
Nik Janiurek - Lighting Designer
Whetu Silver - Project Manager
Andrew Malmo - Production Manager
Fiona Ryan - Production Assistant / Props Master
Jaime Johnstone - Stage Manager
Chelsea Adams - Stage Manager Mentor
Fern Christie - Company Manager
Paul Nicoll - Technical and Production Manager
Gayle Jackson - Wardrobe Supervisor

Please note:
Recommended for patrons aged 15 years and over.
Some content may offend.
LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW is a moving journey event. Some parts of the show require climbing stairs and are not suitable for flat floor access patrons.

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