SILO THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2024 SEASON
Kicking off in April next year, Silo Theatre’s 2024 season offers up a vibrant programme of brilliant live theatre works that are moving, extraordinary and downright funny - created by some of Aotearoa’s most exciting theatre makers: Chris Parker, Ana Chaya Scotney, Tom Sainsbury, Kura Forrester, Brynley Stent, Freya Silas Finch and more.
In this, Artistic Director Sophie Roberts’ 10th programme of work, audiences can experience four productions that return the company to the lively theatre district of central Tāmaki Makaurau, with three shows at Q Theatre and one at Basement Theatre.
Silo’s 2024 season considers how we as humans face existential uncertainty without losing our sense of joy. “These four stories attempt to answer that question in their own distinct ways. They are works that speak to class, self expression, displacement, sexuality, our relationship to te whenua ūkaipo and the literal end of the world; turning and spinning them to refract these complex themes through brilliant prisms of possibility, curiosity and exuberance. They are stories about what it feels like to live in Aotearoa right now”, says Roberts.
The programme is the largest collection of work from Aotearoa that Silo has ever presented. Works which continue their 27-year legacy of pushing the boundaries of what theatre can be, challenging the notions of tradition and form to deliver a programme that trades the one-size-fits-all mentality for bespoke creativity and mind-shifting entertainment.
In exciting news for theatre-lovers, Silo are also trading their Season Membership programme for a Silo Super Pass. Valued at $200, this bold new initiative lets people see shows as many times as they like, sit in any available seat, and book whenever it takes their fancy - everything great about the Season Membership, but with more flexibility, more value, and most importantly, more theatre.
The 2024 season begins with ScatterGun: After the Death of Rūaumoko - a beautiful and joyful solo work created and performed by award-winning artist, Ana Chaya Scotney(Millie Lies Low, Cousins, The Breaker Upperers). Incorporating song, poetry and storytelling, Ana’s work takes us on an overnight journey through the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau in the aftermath of a family memorial. ScatterGun has been in development for some time in Aotearoa and Australia, receiving the NZ Fringe Festival: Outstanding Solo Performance and The Sydney Fringe Tour Ready awards. With Silo, the work will be presented with a brand new production design, direction from Silo Artistic Director Sophie Roberts and dramaturgy from Jason Te Kare.
Next up is David Finnigan’s playful and profound Scenes from the Climate Era. A remarkable, illuminating, shocking, wry, and inspiring piece of theatre written by the son of a climate scientist, Scenes from the Climate Era is exactly what it says – 50+ scenes that capture the exhilaration, frustration and fascination of living through the climate crisis. Fresh from a critically-acclaimed world premiere season with Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre, Silo’s production will be the NZ premiere of Scenes from the Climate Era and presented in collaboration with Auckland Theatre Company – a first for both companies and a fitting response to how we must come together as a community to survive the impacts of climate change.
The world premiere of A Slow Burlesque by Freya Silas Finch (they/them) explores the performance of gender through a collage of physical theatre, burlesque, absurd comedy and many, many costume changes. From high femme divas to old Hollywood leading men, from clowning to the dance from Billy Elliot — Freya’s comedic solo collides and explodes familiar gender troupes to try and create a new performance language for storytelling beyond the binary. Directed by Pōneke-based theatre maker and 2023 Topp Prize award winner Jo Randerson, Freya’s unique perspective is richly layered and highly intelligent, while remaining accessible, funny and deeply personal. A Slow Burlesque was developed with Silo Theatre in 2023.
Finally, the return of the campest comedy this side of Gore. The genius, wildcard and extremely naughty antics of our favourite comics, Chris Parker, Tom Sainsbury, Kura Forrester and Brynley Stent are back at the campsite where one night of gaiety will change their lives forever. Everything you’d expect and more from the foursome is on offer. Think nude suits, cock tails, talent contests and a lot of sex. Then there’s the morning after. Camping was a hit when it premiered in 2016. Directed by Sophie Roberts, Silo are working with the fab four to develop and update the script and unleash a queer celebration like no other. Grab your poles and pegs – this will be one helluva ride.
Dive into Silo Theatre’s brand new, unmissable season now: www.silotheatre.co.nz
Silo Season 2024
ScatterGun: After the Death of Rūaumoko
18 April — 4 May. Q Theatre, Loft
Scenes from the Climate Era
2 – 24 August. Q Theatre, Rangatira
A Slow Burlesque
3 — 19 October. Basement Theatre
Camping
14 November — 7 December. Q Theatre, Rangatira
To purchase a Silo Super Pass, head to silotheatre.co.nz/article/super-pass
Single tickets on sale February 2024.