CULTURE CLUB
A YEAR OF CULTURE
Liam Stretch Culture Editor
I
can remember the first ‘proper’ stage show I went to. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats by our very own Showbiz at the Isaac Theatre Royal. It was there that a brewing love for the arts overflowed, and they became a central part of my life. Following the past two years of cancellations and postponements, I was happy to see culture get a boost over this past summer. The Court Theatre has had an excellent season of Little Shop of Horrors – also one of the first musicals I saw all those years ago – and 2022 is set to be a year when our artists take back to the boards and strut their stuff. This can even be said for some of the Avenues family with our columnist Chris Parker on the comedy circuit next month. Let’s make 2022 a year of culture. In this month’s review section, I share my thoughts on a top-class film by a talented Kiwi, a delectable book, and a television show you’re sure to love.
A DOGGED TALE
FAMILY STONE
I was lucky enough to attend the New Zealand premiere of Jane Campion’s latest film, The Power of the Dog. This cerebral film takes place in 1920s Montana (filmed in Central Otago) and centres around a domineering rancher and his intimidation of his brother’s wife and her son – and a secret. I was captivated throughout thanks to Campion’s excellent grasp on storytelling, and the episodic structure really made the slow burner flow perfectly. It’s dramatic, gritty, and strangely enthralling.
If you are a Hollywood producer reading this, close the magazine now. I’m about to write something mildly controversial. The British just do it better, especially when it comes to dark humour. The Acorn Original Queens of Mystery is well worth a watch. The series follows the adventures of the three crime writing Stone sisters and their niece. After an excellent first season, the second has just been released. It’s charming, mysterious, and deadpan. Agatha Christie would be a fan.
EATING STANLEY TUCCI Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci is a refreshingly enjoyable read. This memoir/recipe book/play (in parts) centres around the awardwinning actor’s long love of food. I promise you’ll be drawn in at the introduction, and he had me hooked at the first recipe, a negroni. It’s not only a one-time escape into Tucci’s gastronomic world but also a book you will return to time and time again, probably with your stomach rumbling.
19 FEBRUARY to 26 MARCH 2022 Written by
ALISON QUIGAN AND ROSS GUMBLEY Directed by
KATHLEEN BURNS
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSOR
SHOW SPONSOR
CORE FUNDER
B O O K N OW AT CO U RTTHEATR E.O R G. NZ
