FREE THEATRICAL FUN FOR THE WHOLE WHĀNAU!
GET SET FOR AUCKLAND LIVE PICK & MIX 2020
Auckland Live’s free kids programme Pick & Mix returns this spring, with theatre, dance, and an imaginative escapade, all created especially for audiences aged three to ten-years.
Now in its twelfth year, the beloved Pick & Mix programme has introduced the wonderful world of performing arts to thousands of tamariki and their families, often giving them their very first live performance experience.
Kicking off the 2020 programme, Motuhake, by Jandel J and the Funky Friends (The Perfect Gift, Baggage), is set in an imaginary world filled with puppets and magical adventures. Playful dance and comedy tell the endearing tale of the wonderful things that can happen when you discover your own special talents.
Post-show, the Jandel J crew take the audience through workshops including fun-filled mime, dance and clowning.
The New Zealand Dance Company celebrates the change of season with Matariki For Tamariki - Ngā Tamariki o Ngā Mata Ariki. Acclaimed dancer and choreographer,
Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa) leads a merry band of friends as they journey throughout Aotearea during Matariki and discover the landscape of lush ngāhere (forests), mighty maunga (mountains), and majestic moana (oceans) along the way.
With post-show workshops showcasing the fun and imagination of physical play, Matariki For Tamariki - Ngā Tamariki o Ngā Mata Ariki will leave audiences young and old filled with joy and gratitude for the whenua (land) we call home.
Science joins the mix of vivid characters, comedy, and physical theatre that combine in Co Theatre Physical’s Monarch, the story of young Lea who develops confidence and uses her voice to make change happen while on a quest to protect monarch butterflies and their habitats.
Exploring themes of the environment, intergenerational relationships and societal change, Monarch will introduce children to the joy of theatre, and the characters and stories it can create and tell. Post-show workshops will show them basic improvisation and acrobatic skills.
Auckland Live programmer, Janelle Bish, is excited to present these wonderful works by local artists. Pick & Mix 2020 is a much-anticipated part of Auckland Live’s calendar, and every year demand for the high-quality, professional performances and workshops is high.
“As well as providing an introduction to the arts for young people, Pick & Mix provides a supportive development platform for NZ artists to develop and hone their work for enthusiastic audiences,” says Bish.
The performing arts are recognised as being vital to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and the economy, and Auckland Live is proud of its role in nurturing, creating and delivering arts experiences that are accessible to all.
For more details on the Auckland Live Pick & Mix 2020 programme, how to book seats, and more please visit www.aucklandlive.co.nz/event/pick-and-mix
High-res images can be found here.
Auckland Live Pick & Mix 2020 events:
Jandel J and the Funky Friends – Motuhake
10 am performance + workshop, Sat 5 September – Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
10 am performance + workshop, Sun 6 September – Bruce Mason Centre
New Zealand Dance Company – Matariki for Tamariki - Ngā Tamariki o Ngā Mata Ariki
10 am performance + workshop, Sat 17 October – Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
10 am performance + workshop, Sun 18 October – Bruce Mason Centre
Co Physical Theatre – Monarch
10 am performance + workshop, Sat 7 November – Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
10 am performance + workshop, Sun 8 November – Bruce Mason Centre
For media inquiries please contact:
Meredith McGrath
Communications Advisor, Auckland Live
meredithm@aucklandlive.co.nz | 027 203 8705
