The Tigers of Wrath: "another character within the play itself"

Chapman Tripp nominated designer Daniel Williams tells drama on the waterfront about the challenges of creating the set that becomes the fifth character in The Tigers of Wrath.

Kate Prior and Heather O'Carroll, Act One.

We needed some bunks for the show, as we are a small co-op we decided to try and source some for free! So the journey began, Kate Prior mentioned they used bunks in Heat, so we decided to contact them and see if we could use them. After a group mission out to Lower Hutt, we got the Heat bunks still smelling of fish and penguins, and after a little tender love and care we were able to bring them back to life! 

Nathan Meister, Act Two.

Part of this design was about finding many different dressing items, and a fun part was venturing into all the Working Men's pubs around the Wellington area. I have great memories from looking around the Newtown sports pub storage cupboard for beer posters and pub stuff to bring Mangere Bridge tavern to Circa Two!

The space is a real tricky challenge! It's so wide and shallow and makes the designer's role very difficult! Initially I wanted to create three really different environments that move fluidly and quickly. The idea of moving walls came early, however the issues surrounding this was somewhat of a process. The actual act of the wall transition aided the theme of time passing and crossing of continents, so I really wanted the set transition to be a part of the action, not making it just a scene change but more of another character within the play itself. 

Heather O'Carroll and Neenah Dekkers-Reihana, Act Three.

The Tigers of Wrath runs in Circa Two until 1 December. To book, please call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz. 

Cinderella, the Pantomime: In-depth with the Fairy Godmother

Cinderella's Fairy Godmother takes time from her busy pre-pantomime schedule to answer a few questions for drama on the waterfront.

What's the best thing about being a Fairy Godmother?
It's very rewarding making Cinderella's life a bit better. She has such a hard life. 

What's the worst thing about being a Fairy Godmother?
I can only change little things. I can't change people's choices so it's frustrating for me to not be able to end the terrible things in the world. 

Where do you go out in Wellington?
It's actually really annoying going out as every second person wants me to wave my wand. Plus, alcohol goes straight to my wings. 

Do you know Father Christmas?
Not really. We say Hello up in the clouds sometimes but we're both very busy people so there's not really much time for conversation. 

Do Fairies have meetings?
We don't have meetings as such but we do congregate during inter island travel at the Fairy Terminal. 

Do you have a boyfriend?
No, I'm too busy, but I did have a brief relationship with the Wizard of Christchurch but the long distance thing made it difficult.

What's your favourite food?
Anything with a lot of fibre is good for Fairies as it's useful for takeoff and gives us the lightness to remain in the air. 

Is it cool being able to fly?
Before humans learnt to fly it was a lot easier as now there is so much traffic in the sky.  And planes, rockets and space shuttles can do a lot of damage to a wee Fairy like myself. They're pretty noisy though so I just get out of the way when I hear them coming. 

Do you like doing the Pantomime?
It is an absolute joy for a Fairy Godmother to spend so much time with children and their families. It makes my wand twinkle to see so many people in the audience laughing and having a happy time.

Cinderella, the Pantomime opens on Saturday, 17 November and runs until 23 December, returning after Christmas for a two week season 2-12 January. There are still tickets available for the $25 Preview on Friday, 16 November but the $25 Special on Sunday, 18 November has SOLD OUT. To book, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz.

The Truth Game: Q & A with Acushla-Tara Sutton

Acushla-Tara Sutton talks to drama on the waterfront about her experience in the current Circa one show, The Truth Game.

Acushla-Tara Sutton on the set of The Truth Game.

Q: Is this the first time you have worked at Circa?

A: Yes, this is my first time performing at Circa. It has been such an amazing experience working with such an experienced cast and crew at such a prestigious theatre. In Wellington, I've only ever worked at BATS for the 2010 and 2011 Young and Hungry seasons.

Q: You are the youngest member of the cast – has that been special?

A: I would definitely say I'm very lucky. Although I don't think being the youngest has had a huge effect on the experience, being the newbie to the group has meant over the past couple of months I have been able learn from some of the best in the business. I'm very fortunate to have landed this role!

Q: Tell us about the character you play in The Truth Game.

A: Jo Pointer is a recent journalism school graduate and has landed a job at a local newspaper 'The Advocate' as a sub editor. She is bright eyed and optimistic, although that is not to be mistaken for immaturity. Jo has arrived with a strong belief in the growing importance of technology, social media and the like, which makes for interesting relationships with those that have been working in the business for a long time without the need for these. Deep down Jo has a great passion for journalism, but she may have other motives for wanting to work at 'The Advocate' as well.

Q: What is the most memorable moment of the season for you? The most difficult?

A: I think the most memorable moment had to be opening night, my first night on the stage of a professional theatre, with my family in the audience cheering me on. I'm not going to forget that in a hurry! However, for the most difficult, probably having to learn to do a scene entirely on roller blades a week out from opening. I had practised skating around the theatre, but it was not until the set was finished that I could practice the details - such as carrying a tea tray.

Q: This is the final week of the season – how do you feel about that?

A: As is always the feeling when a show is coming to a close I'm feeling a little down that it will all be over soon. I have had such a great time with the cast and crew that it is going to be sad to see it end, but I'm very lucky to have had such a long performance season. The community shows I am use to doing in my home town of New Plymouth only run for two weeks (if you're lucky), so a four week season has been fantastic!

Q: What do you do when not acting?

A: I am a third year business student at Victoria University majoring in Tourism Management, Marketing and Human Resources and International Relations. After this year I have one more year of study to complete both degrees (BCA and BTM). I also have a couple of hobbies and a new kitten to keep me busy.

Q: What is next for you?

A: Who knows! At the moment I am looking forward to finishing my exams and then I will be focusing on helping with my sister's upcoming wedding. Next year is a full year of study but I have a few acting jobs lined up which I am very excited about. Hopefully it is not too long before I can tread the boards at Circa again, just hopefully not in roller blades next time!

The Truth Game is on in Circa One until 10 November. To book a ticket, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz.