The Wanaka Arts Festival, Festival of Colour, has consistently used Coronation Hall, Bannockburn, as a venue for their outreach programme, and this year two exciting events are scheduled there.
The play, The Hall, at 7 pm on Saturday, 17 April, is promoted as “a new, uplifting small-town family story performed with the help of a mass choir, with songs composed by Pat Irwin”. Those with tickets can, in fact, actually join the choir on the night, by registering interest with admin@festivalofcolour.co.nz, and turning up an hour early to learn the song. Those currently without tickets cannot do this, as the event is now fully booked.
There is a silver lining, however, for those that missed out on The Hall. Philip Tremewan, Festival Director, has kindly offered six complimentary tickets to the other Bannockburn listing, Encounters with Rodney and Jol, a very special event. It is Philip’s pick of the entire Festival. It is linked to the award-winning dance event, Meremere, “a powerful, engaging work from an exceptional dancer, Rodney Bell”, “an inspirational performance with live music from the equally exceptional artist, Joe Mulholland”, which will be presented in Wanaka on Sunday, 18 April.
What is fascinating about the Bannockburn event, at 6pm on Wednesday, 14 April, is that it presents an opportunity to meet the artists behind Meremere in an intimate setting, and see them dance, hear them play music, and talk about how Meremere was created.
To win your tickets, please e-mail me at janhawkins@cromwell.school.nz, with ‘Encounters’ in the subject line, and answer the following question: “What is the name of Rodney Bell’s main performance piece in the Festival of Colour?” The first three correct responders will receive complimentary double tickets, valued at $80, to the event.
Tickets can also be booked online or by telephone: www.festivalofcolour.co.nz; 022 484 9669.
