The whole world is watching...
In 1981 a racially selected South African rugby team toured New Zealand for the first time in fifteen years, and our country was plunged into chaos. Flash forward a few decades, and the 2008 election saw the conflict make headlines again, when National leader John Key told reporters he ‘couldn’t remember’ his position on the tour. So what was John doing during these fateful months? And where was Aunty Helen? The Engine Room imagines these political icons in a partly factual, mostly fictional account of two seminal moments in New Zealand’s history.
“An ingenious show… Simultaneously intoxicating and sobering.”
– Theatreview
"Entertaining and very funny…”
– The Dominion Post
The Engine Room premiered at BATS Theatre, Wellington, during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
CAST
John Key, Peter Davis, Phil Goff, Heather Simpson
Alex Greig
Joan Anderton, Gerry Brownlee, Ruth Key, Mark Sainsbury, Matt Lawrey, Bronagh Key, Don Brash, Protestor
Erin Banks
Jim Anderton, Kevin Taylor, George Clark
Paul Harrop
Helen Clark, Steve Joyce, Protestor
Harriette Cowan
CREW
Producer
Hannah Banks
Stage Manager
Ellen Walsh
Set Design
Nick Zwart
Costumes
Dawa Devereux
Lighting Design
Uther Dean
Lighting Operator
William O'Neill
Choreography
Ricky Dey
Graphic Design & Programme
Alex Rabina
Poster Design
A Mysterious Stranger
AV Research
Veronica Harwood-Stevenson
Publicity
Ally Garrett
Hannah Banks
Freya Desmarais
AWARDS
Outstanding New Playwright of the Year
Supporting Actress of the Year - Erin Banks
Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2011
NOMINATIONS
Most Promising New Director
Costume Designer of the Year
Supporting Actor of the Year
Sound Designer of the Year
Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2011