Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand
"We love theatre and we have always loved the experience provided by adaptable theatre spaces - the surprise, the new perspectives and the creativity generated by being able to create an environment to suit the needs of the production. We first worked in a theatre of this kind at Theatre Corporate, and the intimacy and power we were able to bring to our work had a profound effect on audiences and performers alike.
From Theatre Corporate in the 1980s through the Watershed Theatre in the 1990s, many of us in the industry have striven for a purpose built, adaptable, user-friendly space that we can be truly proud of; a venue that supports the artist in their creativity, that brings respect and value to the performing arts and that serves as a great meeting place for people who enjoy live performance, or who may be experiencing it for the first time. This is it.
We are proud and delighted to be associated with Q - to speak for it, stand by it and support it as we move into this new decade and onwards”
Michael Hurst
Michael began his acting career in 1976 with the Court Theatre in Christchurch. He moved to Auckland in 1979 and became a member of the resident acting company of Theatre Corporate. He has since worked with all of the major theatre companies in New Zealand, and the Melbourne and Sydney Theatre companies, as well as having a successful career in both TV and film. Michael is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading theatre directors, with particular recognition for his work with Shakespeare. He has also directed several feature films and recently completed work as principle director for US drama, Spartacus. Michael is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a New Zealand Arts Laureate and a proud member of Actors’ Equity.
Michael's official website is www.michaelhurstnow.com
Jennifer Ward-Lealand
Jennifer trained at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate in 1982, joining the main company soon after. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading actresses, she has since worked extensively in theatre, film, TV, musicals and radio including devising her one-woman cabaret Falling in Love Again which she has toured throughout New Zealand and Australia. She has received several acting awards, including a Best Actress GOFTA, Best Theatrical Performer in the NZ Entertainment Awards and Best New Zealand Actress in a Metro Readers’ Poll. She was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Large Group and The Actors' Program. She is currently President of New Zealand Actors Equity and is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre and the community.
Jennifer’s official website is www.jenniferwardlealand.com
