World comes to the Bay

Arts festival audiences will be delighted by the logic-defying shenanigans of LEO. Photo/supplied

WITH the curtain last night raised on the programme for this year's Tauranga Arts Festival, excitement is running high as arts lovers discover the world is coming to their doorstep.

Performers are coming from as far as England, Wales, Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Australia.

LEO, a show devised in Germany, has delighted and perplexed festival director Jo Bond in equal amounts.

"It is one of the most mind-bogglingly clever shows I have ever seen," she says, "and yet it's almost impossible to describe.

"People walk out shaking their heads because what they've just seen defies logic. You end up not knowing which way is up - and yet it is still a piece of theatre that will touch your heart.

"We're saying 'expect to be captivated' and hope that people trust our judgment and buy tickets. It's a show that's received rave reviews on Broadway and is suitable for all ages, which is why we've included a matinee performance."

Bringing a touch of Welsh rural life to the programme is Hiraeth, an award-winning play about nostalgia and the decline of traditional societies - and one which the Tauranga festival has been instrumental in bringing to New Zealand.

"We've worked with some other festivals in New Zealand to pull it off, which is not something you see happening overseas," Ms Bond says. "It's quite a revolutionary approach."

The festival is hosting the only New Zealand appearance of Hannah Sullivan's dance-theatre piece Echo Beach (England), and award-winning writers Christina Lamb (a foreign correspondent who has covered Afghanistan for 27 years), surfing writer Phil Jarratt (Australia) and novelist Steven Carroll (Australia).

the fine print
What: Tauranga Arts Festival
When: October 22 to November 1
Tickets: Programmes widely available or go to www.taurangafestival.co.nz Tickets are available from Baycourt or Ticketek - TECT cardholders receive a discount on ticket purchase until October 7 (conditions apply).