Two engaging, creative shows will take the stage on 7 - 9 August, treating audiences to an experience filled with laughter, reflections, and insightful questions.
HE MĀORI?
He Māori? is a raw, honest, captivating work packed full of genuine laughs and rich authenticity. Creator and performer Īhaka Martyn will explore his experiences of doubt, celebration and the complicated nature of identity, woven together with stand-up comedy, waiata, and theatrical performance.
"Since I've started learning about Māori culture and language, it's like a tap that just won't turn off. But as much as I want to know more, I also know that I stick out like a sore, bloodless, melanin-less thumb. Is culture skin deep? That's what this show is trying to answer, and I'm excited to share the most recent, refined version of this work with audiences at Q Theatre. I'm looking forward to having some challenging conversations, as well as a few belly laughs". - Īhaka Martyn
COLOUR ME CECILY
Set in Upper Hutt, 1984, this solo performance by Bea Lee-Smith is the fabulous flashback you need in your life. Relocating from London to New Zealand following her divorce, Cecily finds herself among an eccentric crew of women, set on discovering her true self with the help of style guide Colour Me Beautiful. Inspired by a childhood in 1980s Aotearoa and being raised by fish-out-of-water immigrant parents, this captivating show encourages audiences to bust out their shoulder pads and join Cecily in her journey to live life to the fullest.
"Colour Me Cecily is a joyous journey into 1980s Upper Hutt, through culture shock, bad wine, and the wonderful work of Colour Me Beautiful. This show has taken me further than I could have imagined when I created it back in 2018. Bringing Cecily to Tāmaki Makaurau is truly a dream come true. As Cecily would say: I'm as ready as I can be, all I need now are the punters." - Bea Lee-Smith
Though these two important stories come from vastly different places, both shows ask: Who defines your identity, how do we hold space for growth or transformation, and what does it mean to truly belong?
Each of these shows stands strong on its own, and together they make a vibrant double-bill. Whether you catch one or stay for both, you're sure to leave Loft with something to talk about this month.
