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Here it is – the 2018 Fortune Season!
This is a season of storytelling and of collaboration. Stories from near and far, and from all walks of life. Stories to make you laugh, some to make you think, and even a few that will make you shed a tear. Here at Fortune we believe that everybody has a story, and we should have a story for everybody. In 2018, we are telling them all: from mad-cap British farce to new works that reflect our New Zealand – and all sorts in between!
We’re thrilled to be presenting three new works by Dunedin writers in our Family Season, a festival of women’s work, and the return of the Fortune Company in the purpose-built pop up Fortune Playhouse – all as we celebrate 40 years in our Stuart Street location by exploring new ways to experience our heritage building.
So have a look and find the stories that appeal to you.
The Dunedin City Mazda Season of Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
By David and Robert Goodale
10th Feb – 3rd March
Directed by Jordan Dickson
When a country house weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker AND steal a silver cow-shaped cream jug from Totleigh Towers. Things go seriously awry in this laugh-a-minute farce, perfect for the whole family this summer.
After a sell-out season on the West End, three UK tours and a world tour, the award-winning Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense comes to Dunedin for the first time.
Based on the timeless work of P.G Wodehouse, this smash-hit comedy by the Goodale Brothers is the perfect way to round off the summer.
An Iliad
By Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare
7th – 21st April
Starring Michael Hurst
Directed by Jonathon Hendry
The guy at the bar has quite a story to tell.
Homer’s epic masterpiece, The Iliad, is condensed into an intimate, incisive, urgent evening of theatre.
A sole performer is joined on stage by a musician to tell the tale of the great Trojan War and Achilles’ victory over brave Hector. This sweeping and powerful story collides with our world and delivers startlingly modern results.
Has anything really changed?
Musical virtuosity combines with exceptional storytelling to create a theatrical experience like no other.
The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies Season of Macbeth
By Dean Parker
Based on the play by William Shakespeare
23rd June – 14th July
Starring the 2018 Fortune Company
Directed by Jonathon Hendry
By the pricking of my thumbs something wicked this way comes…
This collaboration with the University of Otago Dodd-Walls Centre explores where science and art fuse as we manipulate light to create a thrilling production.
Caught in a shadowy world populated by spirits, the Macbeths relive their rise and fall amid live sound, innovative special effects and the haunting atmosphere of our building.
We’re bringing together great writing, cutting-edge science and an elite acting company to bring you a theatrical experience that cannot be missed.
Proudly part of the 2018 New Zealand International Science Festival.
Hansel and Gretel
By Benjamin Henson
21st July – 11th August
Starring the 2018 Fortune Company
In another time, another place, where nothing but the forest grows and underfoot, snow and snow and snow…
…unfolds a story we think we know…
In a world locked in the dual grip of war and winter, two intrepid young siblings rely on their nimble wits to survive.
An exciting new take on a family favourite. Dare you enter the deepest forest with us?
After the success of 2017’s Twelfth Night, Fortune is delighted to have Benjamin Henson’s exuberant magic with us again.
A Festival of Women’s Work
1st – 15th September
To celebrate the inaugural New Zealand Theatre Month and 125 years since the victory of Kate Sheppard’s movement, Fortune is proud to present a festival of performance by and about women.
We begin with the premiere production of Dunedin playwright Emily Duncan’s charming and thoughtful Eloise in the Middle. Duncan’s award winning script takes a keen look at divorce through the eyes of seven year old Eloise, with all the insight and oversight that only a little girl can offer.
Fortune looks forward to amplifying the powerful voices in our own community, and from around the country.
More productions and events to be announced in 2018.
The Orbit World Travel Season of Astroman
By Albert Belz
24th November – 15th December
A co-production with Court Theatre
It’s time to go back to the 80s! Poi E is nearly as big as the shoulder pads on every street corner, Apple has just introduced the Macintosh Computer and the place to be for every teenager? Down at the video arcade!
Jimmy Te Rehua, a gifted boy genius escapes life’s pressure at the local Astrocade over summer. With the help of his resourceful mother and the elderly Scottish owner, he battles bullies, stops space invaders and grabs an extra life.
It’s on, on like Donkey Kong!
We’re delighted to be partnering with Christchurch’s Court Theatre to present the premiere New Zealand production of Albert Belz’s Astroman.
Astroman was developed with Playwriting Australia in the National Script Workshop and National Play Festival
Fortune Family Season Robin Hood By Zac Nicholls 21st - 28th April He has the tights, he has the bow, but does he have the attitude? Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men, on this madcap adventure as they save the people of England, and defeat the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, with maybe a song or two along the way!
Baba Yaga By Anya Tate-Manning 7th - 21st July Across the sky, followed by three horsemen, flies an old lady with a long, hooked nose. It is Baba Yaga; Grandmother Witch, the Bone Mother, Hell’s Hag. A terrifying old crone with iron teeth, as thin as a skeleton, grotesque and… wait… whoa… grotesque? That’s a bit… it’s pretty harsh, right? I mean, she can’t be that bad? Can she?
Snow White By Abby Howells 6th - 13th October Snow White, abandoned in the forest with only animals for friends, finds a loving home with the Seven Dwarves. Tricked into eating a poisoned apple by her Glamorous Stepmother, all she can do is wait for the Handsome Prince to fix everything. But what if she doesn’t like him? |
