A MIXTAPE FOR MALADIES [TE AHUREI TOI O TĀMAKI AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL 2025]

Seventeen tracks on an old mixtape reveal bittersweet memories of a family’s resilience behind every song.

In the world of theatre, few experiences manage to blend the evocative power of music with the unyielding strength of human resilience. A Mixtape for Maladies is one such production that leaves its audience with a lasting impression. Running for 1 hour and 50 minutes without an interval, this show is a tightly woven narrative that captivates from start to finish. With its accessible yet culturally rich presentation, the performance offers an emotionally charged and educational exploration of family, identity, and the enduring effects of conflict.

At its heart, A Mixtape for Maladies tells the story of Sangeetha—a woman whose life was defined by the music that surrounded her in a small coastal village in Sri Lanka. In that close-knit community, music was more than mere entertainment; it was the very bond that held her family together. The narrative is cleverly anchored around an old mixtape containing seventeen tracks, each song evoking memories both bitter and sweet. These tracks serve as time capsules, transporting the audience across decades and continents. From the nostalgic echoes of Dusty Springfield and La Bamba to the tunes of a hit Tamil romantic film, every note is carefully chosen to deepen the storytelling and evoke emotions that resonate universally.

The production unfolds in three distinct yet interconnected segments. The modern-day portion utilises a podcast-style narration, drawing the audience into a contemporary retelling of the past. This is seamlessly interwoven with a historical reenactment that takes us back to 1950s Sri Lanka—a period marked by both cultural vibrancy and the harrowing onset of civil strife. Finally, the live musical performance brings the old mixtape to life. A dynamic two-piece band accompanies the cast, whose live vocal renditions enhance the emotional gravity of each scene. The integration of these elements is done with remarkable finesse, making the narrative accessible and engaging for audiences regardless of their cultural background.

What stands out most in this production is the profound way in which music is used as a narrative device. The old mixtape is not just a collection of songs; it is a repository of memory, encapsulating the joys, sorrows, and trials of a family caught in the throes of a larger historical drama. As Deepan, Sangeetha’s son, plays the tracks one by one, the audience is invited to witness the unfolding of a family saga that spans generations. The songs carry with them the echoes of a lost era, yet they also speak to the resilience and enduring spirit of the characters. This thoughtful melding of music and narrative not only elevates the storytelling but also serves as an educational journey into the impact of war and displacement.

Central to the success of A Mixtape for Maladies is its exceptional cast. The portrayal of Sangeetha, both in her present and past incarnations, is layered and compelling. In the present day, she is depicted as a strong yet tender figure—a mother who is fiercely protective of her son while also carrying the weight of her history. Her character’s journey is a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, which is portrayed with great sensitivity. Deepan, on the other hand, embodies youthful curiosity and a straightforward approach to life. His interactions with his mother and the unfolding past provide a striking contrast that highlights the generational differences and shared human experiences of love and loss.

The production’s set design deserves special mention for its simplicity and ingenuity. The use of curtains and dividers to shift between different scenes is both practical and artistically effective. This adaptable design not only creates distinct spaces on stage but also symbolises the fluid nature of memory and time. The visual elements, though understated, are rich in detail and help to anchor the audience in the multiple layers of the narrative. The overall atmosphere is one of warmth and intimacy, inviting the audience to share in a collective journey of remembrance and cultural pride.

While the themes explored in the show are heavy—dealing with war, trauma, and the loss of a way of life—the production handles these subjects with care and nuance. The darker aspects of the story are portrayed off-stage, allowing the focus to remain on the enduring spirit of the family and the hope that can be found even in the midst of despair. This approach ensures that while the show is emotionally resonant, it never becomes overwhelmingly bleak. Instead, it strikes a delicate balance between sorrow and the beauty of human connection.

An important aspect of the production is its accessibility. Despite the inclusion of songs in Tamil and Hindi, the universal themes of love, belonging, and cultural identity resonate with a diverse audience. A Mixtape for Maladies transcends language barriers, offering a performance that is both culturally specific and universally relatable. This is a testament to the creative vision of playwright Ahilan Karunaharan, who draws upon his personal experiences and the stories of his community to craft a narrative that is as educational as it is emotionally engaging. The play not only honours a rich cultural heritage but also provides insights into how personal histories can be intertwined with larger historical events.

The show also serves as a poignant reminder of the subtle ways in which small governmental actions can escalate into significant societal changes. By focusing on the effects of war on a single family, the production sheds light on the broader consequences of conflict and discrimination. This reflection is both timely and relevant, offering an educational perspective that encourages audiences to consider the impact of historical events on individual lives. It is a narrative that speaks to anyone who has experienced loss, displacement, or the pain of cultural dislocation.

A Mixtape for Maladies is a remarkable theatrical experience that succeeds on multiple levels. It is a celebration of music, a tribute to cultural heritage, and an exploration of the enduring resilience of the human spirit. With its engaging narrative structure, outstanding performances, and resourceful set design, the show offers a moving and memorable journey through memory and time. It is an accessible cultural event that not only entertains but also educates, leaving its audience with a profound sense of empathy and reflection. For anyone seeking a performance that is both emotionally stirring and rich in cultural context, A Mixtape for Maladies is an absolute must-see.

The Season of A Mixtape for Maladies runs from 4 Mar - 23 Mar 2025 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. You can purchase tickets here

BELLE - A PERFORMANCE OF AIR [TE AHUREI TOI O TĀMAKI AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL 2025]

A breathtaking fusion of theatre and aerial artistry, Belle transforms the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre into a world of light, shadow, and sound. With an all-female cast showcasing extraordinary strength and a stunning design by Malia Johnston, Rowan Pierce, and Eden Mulholland, this atmospheric wonder is an unforgettable Festival highlight.

Belle – A Performance of Air is unlike anything you've likely seen before. It’s the kind of performance that challenges the very concept of what a show can be, blending theatre, aerial acrobatics, and multimedia elements into something undeniably creative and totally unusual. For those who love art that pushes boundaries, it’s a mesmerizing experience that will linger in your mind long after the lights go down. But, for others, it might leave you scratching your head, wondering what exactly just happened, as its lack of narrative and often chaotic atmosphere may disappoint those seeking a more traditional, structured performance.

From the moment the show begins, Belle makes it clear that it’s not concerned with conventionality. The Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre is transformed into a surreal world, where light, smoke, and sound become just as important as the performers themselves. An all-female cast of aerial artists and dancers occupies the stage, moving with incredible skill and strength in a space that’s defined more by atmosphere than by set pieces.

The creative team behind Belle—choreographer Jenny Ritchie, lighting designer Rowan Pierce, composer Eden Mulholland, and the rest—have clearly set out to create something visually and sonically immersive. There’s a heavy emphasis on mood and atmosphere, with the performance evolving through abstract, sensory-driven experiences rather than following any cohesive storyline. The soundscape shifts dramatically, from electronic, almost alien-like noises to violin melodies and vocal lines, always at least a little off-kilter, adding to the feeling of discomfort. It’s a deliberate choice to create an environment that feels otherworldly, where the familiar becomes strange and unsettling.

The performance’s movement is erratic yet captivating. There’s a certain raw energy to the aerial acrobatics, but they aren’t always the focal point. At times, only glimpses of a leg or a head can be seen through the mist, as if the dancers are more part of the environment than separate entities. It’s a visual choice that feels more about creating texture and mood than showcasing feats of strength or precision. This unfiltered, almost chaotic style of movement can be confusing at first. The dancers don’t seem to follow a specific rhythm or pattern, as though they’re lost in a dream—or perhaps trying to escape one. At times, it feels unstructured, like a stream of consciousness unfolding onstage.

However, as the performance progresses, there’s a strange beauty to this disjointed chaos. The transitions between different segments are impressively seamless, with lighting guiding the audience’s attention from one scene to the next, often without us even realizing when it’s happened. It’s like waking up from a dream where all the details are blurry, yet you know something profound has occurred.

There’s a definite rhythm to the dissonance, and if you’re someone who embraces avant-garde art or experimental theatre, this will likely speak to you. But if you’re expecting more polished, traditional acrobatics or a coherent narrative, you might find the lack of direction frustrating. The absence of a clear story or central theme makes it feel like the performance exists more as an exploration of movement and atmosphere than as a structured show.

A standout element of the performance is its use of lighting and smoke to create an ever-shifting environment. The stage becomes a canvas for the performers to interact with, with light used not just to illuminate, but to distort and reshape space. Horizontal beams of light spill across the stage, creating layers of moving clouds, while vertical shafts of light cut through the smoke, turning the dancers into fleeting silhouettes. Sometimes, the minimal lighting is so restrained that only parts of the performers’ bodies are visible, adding to the sense of mystery and making it feel as if they are emerging from or vanishing into thin air.

The smoke, combined with these lighting techniques, helps to partition the space and blur the lines between the performers and their surroundings. One moment, the stage feels vast and open; the next, it’s entirely enclosed by swirling fog and shifting lights. This constant flux of space and light creates a feeling of instability, like the rules of the world onstage are constantly in motion, never quite settling into anything familiar.

If there’s one word to describe A Performance of Air, it’s “artsy”—and I mean that in both the best and sometimes most frustrating ways. It’s definitely a performance for those who are looking for something creative and unusual, something that breaks away from tradition and conventions. For many, this kind of abstraction will be mesmerizing, allowing them to get lost in the atmosphere and appreciate the artistry of movement and design. The seamless transitions, the interplay of light and shadow, the experimental soundscape—it all comes together to form an experience that’s undeniably unique and artistic.

However, for those hoping for a more structured or accessible performance, A Performance of Air might feel bewildering. There’s no clear narrative to follow, no characters to root for, no neat resolutions. The entire piece is metaphorical, a collection of abstract moments meant to evoke emotions rather than tell a traditional story. It’s a performance that leans heavily on its atmosphere and creative expression, which can be alienating if you’re not fully on board with that approach.

There’s also a sense of restraint to the acrobatics, which, while still impressive, are often obscured by the minimal lighting. You can see flashes of incredible strength, but they don’t come across in the way you might expect from a typical aerial show. The performers’ skill is undeniable, but it often feels like the choreography is more about mood and texture than about showcasing individual feats. For some, this will be part of the performance’s charm, while for others, it might leave them wanting more.

Belle – A Performance of Air is definitely a show that will spark conversation, whether it leaves you in awe or scratching your head. For those who love avant-garde, experimental theatre, it’s a captivating, sometimes bewildering journey that pushes the boundaries of what performance can be. The combination of aerial acrobatics, sound, light, and movement creates something unusual and thought-provoking, an experience that doesn’t necessarily want you to understand everything—but to feel it instead.

Belle - A Performance of Air runs from 6-9 March, 2025

Venue: Kiri Te Kanawa, Aotea Centre

Duration: 1 hour

Tickets can be purchased here

SIX: THE MUSICAL [TE AHUREI TOI O TĀMAKI AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL 2025]

A modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, presented in the form of a singing competition.

History meets pop music in SIX the Musical, a fast-paced, high-energy stage show that reinvents the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives as a modern-day concert. With its dazzling costumes, catchy tunes, and fierce performances, SIX delivers an exhilarating night of entertainment, though its depth as a historical or feminist work may leave some audiences wanting more.

Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images

The show’s concept is simple yet effective: the six queens—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr—each take centre stage to tell their side of the story. Framed as a musical competition, they argue over who suffered the most in their marriage to Henry, using pop anthems and power ballads to make their case. Ultimately, they reject this rivalry, choosing instead to reclaim their narratives and celebrate their own legacies.

What SIX does exceptionally well is entertain. The music is infectious, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, with each queen embodying a distinct musical style. Catherine of Aragon channels Beyoncé’s regal power, while Anne Boleyn delivers punk-pop rebellion in the vein of Avril Lavigne and P!NK. Jane Seymour’s heartfelt ballad brings echoes of Adele, while Anna of Cleves embraces the confident bravado of Nicki Minaj. Katherine Howard, with her pink-clad, flirty persona, mirrors the hyper-feminised image of young pop idols like Ariana Grande. Finally, Catherine Parr brings a smooth, soulful presence reminiscent of Alicia Keys.

Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images

Visually, the production is sleek and dynamic. The costumes, a fusion of Tudor fashion and pop-star glamour, are striking, with each queen assigned a signature colour that makes them instantly recognisable. The lighting, choreography, and staging are polished and effective, despite the minimalist set design. There are no major set or costume changes, but the energy never falters. The performers are consistently engaging, and the all-female band, positioned on stage, adds to the concert-like feel of the show.

However, while SIX is undeniably fun, it is not particularly deep. The feminist message, while well-intentioned, often feels surface-level. The show revels in buzzwords like “herstory” and “queenspiration” but doesn’t fully develop its themes beyond the basic idea that these women should be seen as more than Henry’s wives. The queens, though portrayed as strong and independent, sometimes fall into caricature, engaging in playful rivalries that reduce their stories to a lighthearted battle for attention. It’s feminism in its most accessible, Instagram-friendly form—empowering but not particularly thought-provoking.

Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images

For those expecting a traditional musical with a detailed narrative and character arcs, SIX may feel lacking. The format is closer to a pop concert than a theatrical production, with each queen performing a solo before moving on to the next. While the transitions between songs include humorous dialogue, there is little in the way of plot development. The show’s short runtime—just 80 minutes with no interval—adds to this feeling, making it an easily digestible but somewhat fleeting experience.

That said, SIX knows exactly what it is and delivers on its promise of a fun, energetic night out. It embraces its target audience—primarily young women and teens—with playful humour, modern cultural references, and a girl-power aesthetic that is hard to resist. The jokes about social media and dating apps land well, though they may not appeal to everyone. The humour occasionally borders on juvenile, with hidden swear words and cheeky double entendres, but it remains lighthearted and accessible.

Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images

Musically, the show shines, but the choice of musical styles for each queen sometimes feels mismatched with the vocal strengths of the performers. In particular, the deeper, soulful songs for Jane Seymour and Anna of Cleves can sound strained depending on the singer’s natural range. Additionally, the use of handheld microphones, rather than the standard headsets seen in most Broadway productions, sometimes makes the lyrics difficult to hear amidst the choreography.

SIX the Musical is a sparkling, high-energy production that delivers a visually and musically captivating experience. While it may not offer profound historical insights or a deeply nuanced feminist message, it succeeds as a vibrant, feel-good show packed with infectious energy, sharp lyrics, and dazzling performances. For those seeking a lighthearted, engaging night out—particularly for younger audiences—it’s well worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to rewrite history.

The 2025 Season of SIX the Musical runs from 27 Feb - 23 Mar 2025 at Auckland's Civic Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here

Warning: This production contains some adult themes including discussions of miscarriage and personal trauma of a physical and sexual nature.

Runtime: 80 minutes with no interval