Nov 30, 2022 Metro Arts
Kia ora dear readers –
Lately there have been many reasons for the queers to commiserate: a funding cut to Pride’s Creative Director role, the recent attacks on Club Q in Colorado, an extension to the Human Rights Act 1993 that neglects to protect us from hate speech.
Fortunately, last week, I felt a moment of reprieve when I had the pleasure of attending the Auckland Pride launch, where part of their forthcoming programming for 2023 was announced. (Notably, these above mentioned reasons for commiserating, just a few among many, didn’t go unacknowledged during the event – a reminder of how the joy of Pride does not entail an absence of pain but is something forged in the fires of tribulation where the care of a community feels most urgent.)
Among the many things I was introduced to that evening was the comedic genius of Janaye Henry, who MC’d the event with panache. (Check her work out if you aren’t familiar.)
If you haven’t spotted Pride’s first release programme just yet – and their lush new campaign: “Elevate” – you can do so on their website.
The crew behind this hardwon and much toiled over event are also crowdfunding to raise $60,000, supported by generous match donors. Spread the word, and support them here, if you have some pennies to spare.
This week I thought I’d take a break from assembling Metro’s summer issue (out soon!) to highlight some of my top picks for Pride 2023. Mark your calendars and get your tickets!
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Peaches (sold out)
Your favourite artist’s favourite artiste – a musician who has spawned a legion of followers (and imitators, none of whom come close) over the years. This show marks the 20th anniversary of Peaches’ seminal The Teaches of Peaches. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket before they sold out, you can expect, as always, something riotous and daring.
Club CXNT
I’m convinced that the ballroom scene will be one of the last bastions of glamour in years to come – when everything’s turned a little dowdy (or blandly restrained) and the post-recessionary malaise has knocked the wind out of us all.
To wrap up Mother Honey Givenchy’s season of Cxnt Vol.1, Club Cxnt – hosted by The House of Givenchy under the banner of ‘Skin & Sin’ – invites you to bring a “devilish attitude” and show a bit of that body.
Sung Hwan Bobby Park
Fresh out of Metro’s ‘30 artists to watch’ sculptor Sung Hwan will be sporting full leather get-up, channelling that age-old art form of … fisting through his ceramics practice. Consider our interests piqued!
samesame but different
essa may ranapiri’s much lauded second poetry collection Echidna – a divinely monstrous play on tradition, myth, and colonial critique – was one of my 2022 highlights. They’ll return to samesame but different festival next year to present the Peter Wells lecture on the theme of QUEEREVOLUTION.
Bonus: Don’t miss the launch of Joanne Drayton’s highly anticipated The Queen’s Wife
— Tendai
Giveaway:
LIVE at the Museum Moses Mackay & Ludwig Treviranus
Opera singer Moses Mackay and concert pianist Ludwig Treviranus are returning to Auckland Museum , on Dec 5, after last year’s sold out concert. The duo have new compositions and stories to share, this time in the stunning setting of Te Ao Mārama South Atrium. This intimate performance from two of New Zealand’s finest classical musicians will feature Ludwig playing the Museum’s acclaimed concert Fazioli concert grand piano, and showcases songs from Moses’ yet to be released album Grace, a few Christmas favourites, and more. This is one event not to be missed. This event is suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
More information here
Email Tendai before midday Thursday to be in the draw!
Calendar
Shannon Te Ao: Tiwakawaka
Coastal Signs
16 November – 28 January
Eddie Clemens: Resolution Venture
ST PAUL St Gallery
17 November – 16 December 2022
Between the Gift and its Reprisal
Artspace Aotearoa
19 November – 28 January 2023
The Art of Black Grace 1/5
Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter
20 November – 10 December
A Doll’s House
By Stef Smith, after Henrik Ibsen
Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
24 November – 3 December
African Film Festival
Rialto Cinema
24 November – 4 December
Ko Ngā Wawata a Hina:
Heidi Brickell, Jalaina Hitchen, Te Ara Minhinnick, Neke Moa, Ming Ranginui, and Jade Townsend (a response to Wawata: Moon Dreaming, a new pukapuka by Dr Hinemoa Elder)
Season
25 November – 24 December
Joyce Campbell: LA Botanical
Two Rooms
25 November – 23 December
Tira Walsh: Black Out Days
Two Rooms
25 November – 23 December
Hiria Anderson: Collective Aspirations
Tim Melville Gallery
29 November – 22 December
Summer Group Show
Heather Straka, Shannon Novak, Raymond Sagapolutele, Sylvia Marsters, Benjamin Work, Mahiriki Tangaroa, Nina Oberg Humphries, Telly Tuita, Gavin Jones, and Andy Leleisi’uao.
Bergman Gallery
29 November – 22 December
Maranga Mai
Moana Nui (digital platform)
26 November – 11 February
Fan
Tyrone Te Waa, Towel Tote, Reece King, Sarah Hillary, Warwick Freeman, Vita Cochran, Johanna Pegler, Kristy Gorman, Allan McDonald, Thomas Finn Stewart, Andrea du Chatenier & Fans from the collection of Mick Pendergrast
Objectspace
2 – 21 December
The Santa Claus Show ‘22
The PumpHouse Theatre
3 – 23 December
Xi Li: The Transcendence Labyrinth of Icons
Te Tuhi
4 December – 29 January
Māori Moving Image ki Te Tuhi
Te Tuhi
4 December 2022 – 29 January
Azealia Banks
Spark Arena
9 December
Bach Musica NZ – Best of Bach
Auckland Town Hall
11 December
