Aug 23, 2019 What's On
A weekly round-up of what’s on in Auckland so you can plan your weekend and the week ahead.
Mercury Plaza: Origins + New Beginnings
It’s nearing the end (for real this time) of beloved food court Mercury Plaza, and 14 Chinese artists have contributed an artwork to an exhibition which aims to creates conversation about identities, gatekeeping, marginalised voices and the generational shifts and waves of Chinese in New Zealand. It’s also just a lot of fun, with interesting, beautiful pieces. More from Metro on this next week – but in the meantime, head along to check it out.
On now | Mercury Plaza
Colin McCahon: A Way Through
As part of the McCahon Centenary year celebrations, McCahon’s 1970 mural Gate III returns to Auckland for the first time since its original commission. It draws upon rural landscapes and religious texts, and is the sole painting in this exhibition, along with some archival material gathered for this occasion. There’s a preview event the night prior, as well as a curators’ talk at 3pm on the Saturday.
Opens Saturday 24 August | Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
Fargo (35mm)
My favourite Coen Brothers film after Inside Llewyn Davis, Fargo was a revelation to me as a little baby film student, viewing it on a laptop screen at 1am in the morning. Hollywood Avondale regularly screens classic films, but I couldn’t help but sneak this one in – I think it’ll be a good’un to watch with a room full of fans, reacting with glee to all its very funny turns.
Sunday 25 August | Hollywood Avondale
Westfield Newmarket Opens
Did we miss 277 Broadway at all? Maybe the carpark. But it’s back now, bigger, brighter and more jam-packed than before. The first 40 stores are opening this week, including New Zealand’s first Coco Republic (an interior store with adjoining cafe), Dangerfield, Under Armour, Hulu Cat and more. There will be an opening performance by Nga Puna o Waiorea – Western Springs College at 9.10am.
Thursday 29 August | 277 Broadway
The Blind Date Project
Unscripted, unrehearsed theatre and audience participation – what a time! Myself, I’m still a bit iffy on stand-up comedy Netflix specials, tbh, but this production completely sold out in 2014 so I’m sure it’ll be a hoot. Anna meets a new blind date every night, each played by a different performer (Pax Assadi, Danielle Cormark, Kura Forrester, Hamish Parkinson, Hayley Sproull, Tom Sainsbury are all on the line-up – and more!) and directed by live texts and calls. “A sitcom without a script” Sydney Morning Herald called it. Terrifying.
Thursday 29 August-21 September | Silo Theatre
The Others Way 2019
Skip between 12 venues this year to curate your own line-up from over 40 acts. View the full line-up here, but catch Bailey Wiley, BEING., Hans Pucket, Church & AP, Tiny Ruins, Mermaidens, The Chills and more, more, more. And if you’re still after more, stop by at The Night Before The Others Way to kick your weekend off with a gig featuring Na Noise, PollyHill, Green Grove and more.
Thursday 29-30 August
Reminders: It’s the last couple days to catch Filipino-Kiwi bilingual play Pinay. Also, it’s Father’s Day next Sunday!
