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PLAYMARKET ANNUAL 2022
Available online or
email us for a hardcopy
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ADAM NZ PLAY AWARD
Submissions open for
2023
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 Kia ora <<First Name>>
Recently we have been celebrating the success of our guidelines series (we have published five so far with number six coming later this year). These have been selling in sets and individually, but each of them are requiring reprints. Number three Cultural Practice in the Theatre Space has had multiple reprints. Every community theatre group which is a member of either Theatre New Zealand or Musical Theatre NZ received a copy, and we have held discussion sessions to support these publications. In preparation next year will be a Green Theatre guideline with information on resources and processes to help theatremakers and presenters to be kinder to our environment.
Speaking of publications, this year’s crop are almost at the printer; one volume The Haka Party Incident by Katie Wolfe and Transmission by Stuart McKenzie and guideline number six Access for Artists and Audiences by Nathan Mudge and Henrietta Bollinger, currently in the final stages of editing.
Salesi and Isaac attended the Drama New Zealand conference last week and reinforced some terrific relationships we already have with schools and forged some new ones. They also sold a huge number of books. A good sign for an increase of student exposure to Aotearoa playwrights.
We are preparing our 2023 budget and schedule, and then the Accolades next month including presentation of the Bruce Mason Award will close out the Playmarket events for this year. As the year draws to a close we are licensing 2023’s productions and what an exciting line up it will be.
We have only two weeks left of our Playmarket CNZ Moana Pasifika Trainee Script Advisor and He Pia Māori Kaihāpai Tuhinga programmes. We will end with a gathering of senior Pasifika practitioners to have some kai and a kōrero on dramaturgy.
Submissions closed for our Brown Ink programme last weekend and the judging has begun. We’re delighted to have this year’s trainee script advisors, Sarai Perenise-Ropeti and Dolina Wehipeihana on board joining the judging panel.
It’s only eight weeks until the deadline for the Adam NZ Play Award which closes on 1 December. I know many playwrights use this date as a deadline for completion of a draft – I’m looking at you, procrastinating playwright ...
Recent clients will have filled in a new section in our client agreements which requests details of the client’s next of kin. We now ask for this to aid us in tracking playwrights whose contact details may fall out of date. If you signed with us some time ago, we’d appreciate you supplying the name, address and email of a selected next of kin contact person. Just email info@playmarket.org.nz and pass that info on.
Stay warm and happy.
Ngā mihi nui
Murray Lynch
Tumuaki /Director Playmarket
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WINNERS ANNOUNCED
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2020 Plays for the Young Competition.
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WINNER OF THE 3-8 YEAR OLD CATEGORY
Land of the Long Long Drive by Catriona Tipene and Ryan Cundy.
Wēta, Kārearea and Tuna are mates of Gary the Glow-worm and are traveling to Waitomo to attend his Rave in The Cave birthday party. The friends face a number of trials on the road, and ultimately learn that despite their differences, they can achieve their goals through working together
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WINNER OF THE 8-12 YEAR CATEGORY
The Valentina (aka The Ceiling) by Anders Falstie-Jensen
One night, 8-year-old Ellen, with the help of her very enthusiastic parents, draws a spaceship on her ceiling. As night falls and the moon rises, the ship comes to life. Ellen ends up on an extraordinary journey on her spaceship, The Valentina, accompanied by her new friends and trusted crew members Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstong, Laika the space dog and the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova. A celebration of the power of imagination and our endless fascination with what lies beyond.
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WINNER OF THE TEENAGE CATEGORY
The Secret Lives of Sixteen Year Old Girls by Sarah Boddy
The play follows best friends Lucy and Lulu as they navigate their daily challenges while preparing for the biggest party ever. Lulu’s mum is doing her best to parent her child in a technological era but failing terribly to keep up. Part confessional, part Q and A, it becomes clear that Lucy is struggling more than she would like to admit. At the party, both girls go home with different guys - and it goes drastically wrong.
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SPECIAL MENTION
Atarangi: Morning Sky by Tom Knowles
An Aotearoa Reggae-Roots musical extravaganza exploring the Māori myth of Ranginui and Papatūānuku through the eyes of a teenage girl in 2022. A school assignment set by teacher Mr Dylan sends the students into exploration of where they each came from. Atarangi’s journey includes visits from her Tīpuna, Māori warriors and a fantasy world that comes to life from books past down from her Koro, as she discovers her cultural past and identity.
Burrowers- or; the Secret Society of Notable Nuisances by Georgia Kellett and Felix Crossley-Pritchard
William used to play in an underground burrow, but having grown up and moved away, the burrow is left under the care of Cat, Rabbit and Badger – William’s three imaginary friends. Fifteen years after his departure, the fun-loving trio are disturbed when William’s mother Dot arrives. The story tells of fond memories while leaving space to ask questions about how people change or drift apart, as well as how we decide what to hold onto from the past.
Congratulations to all and thanks to everyone who entered the competition.
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 Submissions are now open for the 2023 Adam NZ Play Award.
Awards may be given in the following categories:
- Best Play
- Best Play by a Māori Playwright
- Best Play by a Pasifika Playwright
- Best Play by a Woman Playwright
- McNaughton South Island Play Award
- Dean Parker Adaptation or Non-Fiction Award
The competition is open to any New Zealand citizen/permanent resident. Plays must not have had a professional production (pending productions, readings, workshops or community productions are fine).
Scripts may only be submitted to this competition once. There are no limits on length, style, theme or cast size.
We are very grateful for the generosity of the Adam Foundation who enable us to offer a total of $8,000 in prizes. All who make the shortlist will be considered for distribution to potential producers.
Visit here for more information
Applications close 1 December 2022
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Congratulations to Rex McGregor whose comedy Restoring Romeo has won 2nd place in the One Act Play category at the 2022 William Faulkner Literary Competition in the USA.
Congratulations to our clients who placed in the Playwrights Association of New Zealand Competitions:
10-Minute Play Competition: Angie Farrow, winner for Lucifer, Rex McGregor, 2nd place for Orpheus Floats and Tim Hambleton, 3rd place for The Camembert.
One-Act Play Competition: Bronwyn Elsmore, winner for Reponui High Presents … and Rex McGregor, 3rd place for Honest Shakespeare.
Congratulations also to Lindsey Brown who won Mixing It Up Productions’ Spring 2022 One-Act Playwriting Contest in the States with her play A Lovely Day for a Boating Trip. Lindsey's play Unreasonable Situations was one of the winners of The Actors’ Theatre 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Contest (USA) and her play Parent Teacher Interviews was also a finalist.
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FRIENDS OF THE HOCKEN COLLECTIONS AWARD
A $10,000 award to support a research project on some aspect of the historical development of culture and society in NZ, primarily using the resources of the Hocken Collections. The outcomes are open for project applicants to develop and propose.
See here for more details.
Applications close 15 October
NZ FRINGE 2023 REGISTRATIONS OPEN
The 2023 NZ Fringe Festival will be taking over the whole of Pōneke from 17 February — 11 March. NZ Fringe is an open access, artists-first festival, which means they don't programme shows. Once you register and pay your registration fee you're in. It's that easy.
See here for more details
Registrations close 15 October
WRITE ROOM 2023 WELLINGTON SCREENWRITING RESIDENCY
The successful writer will receive a grant of $9,750 to complete a draft of their screenplay, 12 weeks of free office space at Toi Pōneke Art Centre from Feb-April 2023 and development support from the Write Room mentor team. Hours are flexible and can sit alongside other work.
See here for more details.
Applications close Mon 24 October
BEGINNER'S GUIDE WORKSHOP: THE BIG MID-SPRING WRITE-IN
A fun, intensive writing session with other writers facilitated by Kathryn Burnett. "We get together over coffee, we ease into the session with creative writing prompts then we start writing. Then we hang out over a leisurely and delicious morning tea - and then we write some more."
See here for more details
9am – 1pm Sunday 30 October
RANDELL COTTAGE WRITERS FELLOWSHIP 2023
The fellowship comprises a stipend of $28,500, and six months’ rent-free accommodation in Wellington’s Randell Cottage. The Trust is particularly interested in hearing from mid-career and Māori and Pasifika writers.
See here for more details
Applications close 4 November 2022
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The Made
by Emily Perkins
Auckland Theatre Company 20 Sep – 8 Oct
Visionary scientist Alice is at the cutting edge of her field, striving to generate emotions in robots. But, when those robots are used for domestic service, how will they feel? As Alice nears her goal, family accusations and workplace betrayals are unleashed – along with an artificial intelligence creation that is far beyond anyone’s control.
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The Māori Sidesteps
by The Māori Sidesteps Collective
The Court Theatre 22 Sep – 8 Oct
With soulful harmonies, satirical skits and superb song parodies, The Māori Sidesteps are a contemporary showband serving up a night of crooning, comedic goodness. With rave reviews and hit web and TV series, these awesome performers deliver your favourite songs with mischievous and hilarious twists. An evolution of the Māori showband, don't miss the much anticipated Ōtautahi debut of The Māori Sidesteps.
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The Whale Rider
by Witi Ihimaera, adapted for the stage by Tim Bray
Tim Bray Theatre Company Auckland Tour 24 Sep – 12 Nov
Kahu is destined to become leader of her tribe, but no matter how hard she tries to show her worth, Kahu’s koro won’t accept that a kōtiro can take over his role of chief. However, a rescue of the ancient whale beached in the Whāngārā Harbour, changes things. A poignant tale of forging paths and self-belief.
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Po’ Boys and Oysters
by Estelle Chout
Black Creatives Aotearoa at Basement Theatre 27 Sep – 8 Oct
Mission Bay locals Flo and her wife Jo are in the final stages of adopting a child, and now, they're ready to share the imminent arrival of the newest member of their family with Marie, Flo’s highly conservative big sister. Expect fireworks as Flo and Jo prepare to break the news and get ready for a dinner party that you won't forget. A deep dive into what it means to be Black, lesbian, and living in Tāmaki Makaurau.
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Olive Copperbottom
by Charles Dickens and Penny Ashton
Centrepoint 1 – 9 Oct
Penny Ashton brings orphaned hero Olive, and a squalid gaggle of hilarious Victorians, to crusty life. A rollicking, romantic journey through fifteen gin-soaked characters told with song, dance and questionable personal hygiene. Featuring reworkings of classical masters such as Chopin, Verdi and Tchaikovsky. It’s Oliver! meets Blackadder with a saucy feminine twist.
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Why are my Parents so Boring?
by Dan Bain
Kidzstuff at Tararua Tramping Club Wellington 1 - 14 Oct
A silent show for loud children. A play about playing. Unfolding in the manner of a silent movie. Why Are My Parents So Boring? explores the relationship between a hyperactive seven-year-old and their parents. Who are soooo boring...
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Thoroughly Modern Māui
by Rutene Spooner
Tourmakers National Tour 5 - 22 Oct
Many moons ago, a superhero of a different kind ruled this side of the Pacific. His name was Māui-Tikitiki-A-Taranga – MĀUI. A warrior and demigod, his adventures are woven into the fabric of Pacific history. He was fast, fit, and funny - the total package. He slowed the sun, fished up the North Island and brought fire to the world! Rutene Spooner channels this Māori hero into a modern-day icon – complete with rhinestones and glitter.
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Pīpī Paopao
by Rutene Spooner
Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival, Tauranga Arts Festival & Nelson Arts Festival 9 – 19 Oct
A performance for tamariki aged 3-5 years old which adopts the unique characteristics of our Manu Rangatira through waiata and play, echoing the sounds of Te Taiao. Pīpī Paopao continues the Māori traditions of using proverbs and metaphors of the natural world to teach and prepare our own little hatchlings; so they too may flourish and fly into a world of their own.
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Pourakahua
by Jeffrey Addison
Taki Rua Wellington Whānau Shows 10 – 12 Oct
Join Pourakahua, a cross between human and bird, on a journey of self-discovery as they fly across the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa to find their true home, their kāika tūturu. They meet interesting friends along the way, while also evading the dangerous bird hunters. The Arowhenua rock art flies off the walls and into the minds of our tamariki in Taki Rua's first Te Reo Māori Season production all in the Kāi Tahu mita/dialect.
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A Rare Bird - A play reading
by Elisabeth Easther
Tauranga Arts Festival 14 Oct
When Elisabeth Easther first stumbled upon the writings of ornithologist Perrine Moncrieff - more specifically her 1925 field guide New Zealand Birds and How To Identify Them - she was astonished that Perrine was not better remembered. A Rare Bird explores the audacious exploits of an extraordinary woman in a male-dominated world, and reveals the vital role Perrine Moncrieff played in conserving the flora and fauna of Aotearoa.
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Thinning
by Eli Kent
Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival 15 Oct
A play about growth and gravity. In the limbo time between the end of high school and real life, a group of teenagers leave their city lives behind to go apple thinning. Join best mates Isaac, Adam, Troy, Lily, Fraggle and Billie as they break up, hook up, fall in love, get drunk, fall over and come out in one last explosive summer together before they might never see each other again. Meet people you love, people you hate and people just like you.
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Skin Tight
by Gary Henderson
Hawkes Bay Arts Festival 18 Oct
The searing and sensual romance of Elizabeth and Tom and one of Aotearoa’s most poignant and lasting works of theatre. Dark secrets, deep passions, and heart-breaking truths bubble over as lovers savour precious moments together. As stunningly physical as it is poetic, Skin Tight is a theatre experience that will leave you with goosebumps.
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Back to Square One?
by Anders Falstie Jensen
Dunedin Arts Festival, Hawke's Bay Arts Festival & Q Theatre
18 – 29 Oct
You're invited you into 95 year old Inga's living room in Denmark as she reaches out through space and time to her grandson in NZ. Inga has seen world wars, cold wars, civil wars. In real life and on TV. And when you’re close to 100 you know a thing or two about a thing or two. Sometimes all you need is an old lady to set you straight. It's theatre, but only just!
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The Battalion
by Helen Pearse-Otene
Te Rakau at Ōtaki College Hall 19 – 21 Oct
A powerful play about friendship, loyalty, and the lost innocence of youth - where the adventure of war is played out to the bitter end.
Many members of the Māori Battalion were just kids, as young as 15, when they left for WWII, and seeing these soldiers portrayed by actual rangatahi of that age, is a powerful and sobering experience. Featuring actors and students from Ōtaki, Porirua and Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai.
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Hello Darkness
by Peter Wells. Adapted by Victor Rodger
Hawke's Bay Arts Festival 22 Oct
A theatrical meditation on life, death and the meaning of everything – crafted from the social media diaries and book written by the late Peter Wells, during his treatment for prostate cancer. With a creative triumvirate of Aotearoa New Zealand theatrical greats – playwright Victor Rodger, director Shane Bosher and actor Roy Ward – this is a warm, graceful and intelligent production, not to be missed.
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Mrs Krishnan’s Party
by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis
Hawke's Bay Arts Festival 22 - 23 Oct
It’s Mrs Krishnan’s Party and you’re invited! Step into the back room of Mrs Krishnan’s dairy where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows and Mrs Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. Food simmers on the stove, laughter abounds and strangers become friends in this joyous celebration of life.
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Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko
by Ana Chaya Scotney
Nelson Arts Festival 26 - 27 Oct
Agnes takes us on a journey through the streets of her city and the sinews and synapses of her internal world. Through joyfully and honestly exploring themes of diaspora, surfing displacement and tectonic grief, and celebrating the profound connection between the human body and te whenua ūkaipō, Ana Chaya Scotney (Tūhoe) exemplifies a masterclass in solo performance.
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Tröll
by Ralph McCubbin Howell
Hawke's Bay Arts Festival 29 Oct
It’s 1998. Otto is twelve but online he’s thirteen and he’s pretty sure he gets away with it. He lives in an old wooden house with his mum, dad, and sister, a mysterious Icelandic granny, and an ancient malevolent troll that's lurking in the walls...
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Wit and Wisdom
Julibate Singers at The Piano Christchurch 30 Oct
A concert and book launch celebrating the career of Philip Norman. Featuring highlights from the many choral works and musical theatre songs Philip has written, including selections from Footrot Flats and Love Off the Shelf. His book, A Complete Absence of Wit & Wisdom - a hugely entertaining collection of articles, reviews, lyrics and talks will also be launched at the concert. Copies of the book are available for $30 from select bookstores or direct from the publisher here.
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We are Many
by DF Mamea
Circa Theatre 1 – 5 Nov 2022
A development season of a new play by DF Mamea. Sāmoa, 1930. It is three months after the events of Black Saturday, when New Zealand police officers opened fire on a peaceful procession of Mau members, killing eleven people. When the surviving men of the Mau flee into the rainforest, hunted by police, four women must rally to support them in hiding and take over the resistance against the New Zealand occupation.
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