11 Dec 2024
The Wellington Theatre Awards 2024 - Ngā Whakarākei o Whātaitai, once again shone a spotlight on the incredible innovation and creative excellence that define the capital’s performing arts scene.
Held at the iconic Wellington Opera House, this year’s ceremony offered an evening of glitz, glamour, and theatrical flair befitting Aotearoa’s finest. This year’s choice of venue allowed for a grander celebration, providing the perfect backdrop for an event dedicated to honouring the power of storytelling and performance.
This year, 12 dedicated judges immersed themselves in over 130 productions staged at venues across the city. From The Savage Coloniser Show and Dawn Raids at the Opera House to Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Sense and Sensibility, Gravity & Grace, the judges witnessed an array of performances, each showcasing the creativity of Wellington’s theatre scene.
“The event allows for a celebration of the work undertaken by a highly underpaid workforce and for reflection on the legacy of theatre as a life-enriching and wellbeing tool in all our lives,” says Murray Lynch, Playmarket Director.
Pasifika theatre productions triumphed on the night, taking home major accolades. From compelling performances to masterful storytelling, these productions captivated audiences and judges alike, reflecting the depth of talent and cultural resonance within the Pasifika creative community.
Dawn Raids, Oscar Knightly’s evocative remake of his 1997 play on the plight of Pasifika communities during the Muldoon era, earned three nominations with Jake Tupu taking home the Accolade for Outstanding Performance in honour of Michelle Amas.
The Creative New Zealand’s Niu Dawn Raids Funding Initiative supported the re-staging and Wellington season of Dawn Raids, produced by Pacific Underground and Auckland Theatre Company.
Equally electrifying, The Savage Coloniser show, written by Tusiata Avia MNZM, commanded attention with its bold and layered storytelling. Directed by Anapela Polatava’ivao ONZM, the production garnered widespread acclaim for its powerful performances and striking direction.
The production earned several nominations and won five awards:
- Stacey Leilua, who received the Accolade for Outstanding Performance in honour of Ray Henwood
- Anapela Polata’ivao ONZM, who was awarded Director of the Year in honour of Richard Campion
- Katalaina Polata'ivao-Saute, honoured with the Most Promising Newcomer Award in honour of Willem Wassenaar
- Excellence Award for Ensemble
- New Aotearoa Play of the Year in honour of Renée
Pasifika performers were a big presence in the Most Original Production of the Year category.
Jthan Morgan of Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, and Samoan descent was in the winning production, The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular. Others in nominated productions were multidisciplinary artist Sepelini Mua’au, You and A.I, Transmission: Beta, and Viki Moananu in Icky.
Stela Dara Resende Albuquerque won the award for Most Promising Newcomer Award in honour of George Webby for Show Do Cafe – an immersive performance blending dance, theatre, and music. Supported under the Pacific Arts Strategy partnership with the Wellington Fringe Festival during its initial run, the show was lauded for its warm and occasionally confronting narrative on Brazil’s coffee plantation and Stela’s family life. The show also toured nationally from Wellington with further strategic investment from the Pacific Arts Strategy to support emerging artists and regional reach to Tauranga and Palmerston North.
‘It was an incredible night for our Wellington theatre community to celebrate everyone’s hard work over the year,’ says Makerita Urale, Senior Manager Pacific Arts.
‘Dawn Raids is a significant work for Aotearoa and the production supported better awareness of our history as a country. It was a big night for the Savage Coloniser team who’ve worked really hard. They have recently finished wowing audiences in South Korea, and this award will be a big gold star under their belt to attract more presenters and work overseas. Congratulations to everyone!’
A warm fakamālō to all the nominees and winners for this year’s Wellington Theatre Awards 2024.
See the full list of winners for the Wellington Theatre Awards 2024
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