Silo Theatre is getting the benefit of Lauryn Wati's enthusiasm for plays, as Sharu Delilkan reports.
The title of the next Silo Theatre company production, Holding the Man, is not intended to
mislead. There will be no hand-holding for its new stage manager, Lauryn Wati, of Glen Eden.
"She may be relatively new as a stage manager, but she's worth four times her weight in gold,'' says the company's manager Frith Walker.
Holding the Man is the true story of late Australian actor and writer Tim Conigrave, in particular the relation ship with his long-time lover, John Caleo.
In Australian Rules football, "holding the man'' is an offence that has consequences. Caleo was a football star at high school and a devoted supporter of Melbourne's Essendon Football Club, which helps explain Conigrave's use of the term as his play's title.
Holding the Man is Wati's third production at Silo.
"I jumped at the chance to join the company when Frith, my former Unitec tutor, gave me a call last year. And although it was a bit daunting coming to a new team, I have found
the Silo amazingly supportive, which has made it easier.''
Walker says it was clear from the start that Wati had all the attributes the company was seeking.
"She was a slightly older student who was quietly patient and actually interested in theatre. I could see she was sitting in the course and listening. And when it came to delivering, she did.
"Ultimately I chose her because she's someone I know I can trust implicitly.''
Holding the Man, Herald Theatre, Aug 7-29, 8pm.
Tickets: ph 357 3355 or visit www.the-edge.co.nz