The official presentation of Tauranga Arts Festival 2019 programme took place at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre on August, 8th. This year’s shows and exhibitions are shaping up to be the most spectacular and extensive celebration of theatre, music, literature and painting our town has ever seen.
The biennial Tauranga Arts Festival is back for 2019. Ten days of exciting events bringing the community together are scheduled for 24th October – 3rd November. And it looks like this event has been long awaited for, as yesterday’s presentation attracted a whopping 530 guests – a record number in its 10-year history!
The event opened up with a charming performance by Mauao Crazy Choir. The stage was transformed into a night sky with bright stars – a perfect background for a waiata about the Fairies of Hautere, who often return to Mauao every night and depart at dawn – that the volunteers of the choir created and rehearsed with the help of local composer Teraania Ormsby-Teki and celebrated performer Ria Hall specifically for this event.
Mauao Crazy Choir
The Mayor of Tauranga, Greg Brownless, in his well-known easy-going manner briefly shared his past memories of performing in two ballets at Baycourt. Festival director Jo Bond then took over the stage to present the programme for 2019. The full list of events that will invigorate and energise not only Tauranga but also Katikati, Te Puke and other neighboring towns for 10 days in October is already available on the official Tauranga Arts Festival website but here are some of the highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Theatre performances seem to be the cornerstone of Tauranga Arts Festival 2019. There are so many genres and styles to choose from!
‘Rants in the Dark’ (Addison Theatre, Baycourt, 30-31 Oct) is a hilarious play revealing the raw truth of parenting, based on a book by Wellington blogger Emily Writes, that went viral overnight.
It took seven years to bring family-friendly multi-award-winning show ‘Kaput’ (X Space, Baycourt, 24-25 Oct) to Tauranga. Of course, something that required so much effort is a must-see!
‘Limbo’ (Addison Theatre, Baycourt, 25-26 Oct) is a show so hot Madonna saw it twice! The wicked blend of circus and cabaret includes jaw-dropping contortions, gut-churning aerial acrobatics, mind-boggling illusions and fiery flames performed by some of the world’s best artists. We spotted the Tauranga Arts Festival car outside Baycourt yesterday and it had a photo of a ‘Limbo’ performer printed on it – says something about the show, doesn’t it?
All the musicians and speakers perform at the Carrus Crystal Palace at Tauranga Waterfront. This relocatable venue boasts magnificent chandeliers, banquette seats and sand-blasted mirrors. This year guests will also enjoy a selection of Volcanic Hills wines, served at the venue. What a place to spend a special evening!
Among the singers performing at Carrus Crystal Palace in 2019 are Reb Fountain (24 Oct), Nadia Reid (31 Oct), Greg Copeland (27 Oct), Wilson Dixon (2 Nov), Milly Tabak and the Miltones (1 Nov), Tami Neilson (28 Oct) and many others.
All speakers are scheduled for the last weekend of the Festival. For several days in a row, from early morning til’ late night, you’ll have the opportunity to listen and discuss politics, the environment, parenting, literature and many other interesting topics.
