Clear some space in your diary! Discover five must-see events across Aotearoa, including MOTAT’s Pride celebration, queer theatre, NZIFF horror and the Martinborough Music Festival.
MOTAT: 40 YEARS OF PRIDE
Mark four decades since Homosexual Law Reform with a whānau-friendly celebration at MOTAT on Saturday 8 August. Watch Ingrid Anderson screen-print commemorative designs, collect a free bookmark and hear Navy veteran Brad Poulter read from and sign his memoir, Built for This, at 2pm. Activities run from 10am to 4pm.
AT THE WAKE
Victor Rodger’s At the Wake brings buried family tensions, dark humour and zinging one-liners to The Court Theatre in Christchurch until Saturday 15 August. Robert, a gay half-Samoan expatriate, accompanies his palagi grandmother to his mother’s funeral, where Susan Brady delivers a brilliantly winning performance as the formidable, unforgettable Joan.
MUM, I’M ALIEN PREGNANT
Yvette Parsons commands THUNDERLIPS’ gloriously gooey body-horror film Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant as an overbearing mother whose daughter faces an extraterrestrial pregnancy. Amid monstrous transformations and whip-smart commentary on bodily autonomy, Parsons’ performance is irresistible. Catch its New Zealand premiere at Auckland’s Civic on Friday 7 August at 8.45pm.
CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO
Give the dads in your whānau a memorable Father’s Day at Auckland Zoo’s Old Elephant House café. Dining packages cater to meat lovers, vegetarians, vegan and gluten-free guests, with plenty for tamariki. Available Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, each booking includes Zoo entry for a wander on the wild side.
MARTINBOROUGH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Martinborough Music Festival celebrates its tenth birthday with four chamber concerts at Martinborough Town Hall from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. Beethoven, Liszt, Vivaldi and bold contemporary works fill the programme, alongside virtuoso guitar, piano and double bass performances. Sunday’s finale includes a world premiere by composer Victoria Kelly.
