To mark the publication of the new book showcasing NZ theatre - Aotearoa New Zealand in the Global Theatre Marketplace: Travelling Theatre -  Dr James Wenley presents a special lunchtime talk sharing his research.

A lecturer in the theatre programme at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, James’s new book offers a case study of how the theatre of Aotearoa has toured, represented, and marketed itself on the global stage. How has New Zealand work attempted to stand out, differentiate itself, and get seen by audiences internationally?

In this free public talk, James will highlight the dynamic range of culturally and theatrically innovative works created by local theatre-makers that have toured and been performed across time, place and theatrical space. He will explore questions of value and sustainability in recent touring funding and practice, and consider the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global circulation of Aotearoa theatre.

Free to attend - all welcome. Please register for your tickets.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr James Wenley is a theatre academic, practitioner, and critic with a passion for promoting the theatre of Aotearoa New Zealand. He is a lecturer in the theatre programme of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, where he teaches acting, dramaturgy, musical theatre and social practice theatre. James was awarded a PhD from the University of Auckland. James is a director, dramaturg and writer and makes theatre under his company Theatre of Love. His most recent, Dr Drama Makes A Show With You, which he wrote and performed, played at the 2021 NZ Fringe and Auckland Fringe Festivals. James is also the editor and founder of TheatreScenes.co.nz, a platform for reviews and commentary on Aotearoa theatre. As a researcher, James has investigated the performance and reception of New Zealand theatre toured and produced internationally. His new book, Aoteaora New Zealand in the Global Theatre Marketplace: Travelling Theatre, is published by Routledge.