4 minute read
CULTURE CLUB
SYMPHONY OF SPRING
Liam Stretch Culture Editor
There is something strangely sacred about September. It’s a month where life leaps back into action after months of hibernation. Swathes of colour are employed by Mother Nature as daffodils and tulips fill the spaces that were relegated to muted tones over the winter – we’re an audience to this spring symphony.
With our winter coats left by the door, there’s a whole new range of events to be experienced this month – both within and outside the theatre walls.
Perfect for getting your dancing shoes on, and a recent discovery of mine, is local band Yurt Party. These boys play some rousing Balkan beats, and I last saw them at Ferrymead’s Nostalgia Festival. They’re performing at Level One Craft Beer Bar in New Brighton on September 11, which I encourage you all to go along to and unleash your inner Zorba.
DOLLY IS BACK!
The queen of country has returned with single Sent From Above. The track, which has been released in celebration of her new fragrance, has a 2021 melodic backing beat, but it has kept the essence that has made the 75-year-old singer’s sound so iconic. With 2021 seeing a shift in music to the melancholic, this is an antidote to a down buzz. This is one that both you and mum are going to enjoy – dad might also bop along.
FACE VALUE
Perhaps one of the more bizarre shows to hit Netflix in recent times, Sexy Beasts, puts a spin on the dating show model. On the show, contestants are done up in masks and costumes – think baboons, devils, rhinos, and birds – to see if a date can go well just based on someone’s personality, though most seem to be lacking one. It’s an entertaining watch, albeit a little disturbing. And, surprise, surprise, every single person behind the mask is attractive.
CHEAP EATS
Michael Van de Elzen and Ganesh Raj, hosts of the TVNZ hit show Eat Well For Less NZ, bring the eponymous cookbook to shelves. It features around 70 recipes from the show – everything from Karaage Chicken Schnitzel through to Smoked Fish Pâté. It has certainly given me an option or two to make on a budget. This could be the perfect gift for your student child who is eating a few too many packets of twominute noodles – or maybe for your Auckland friends paying rents through the roof?
New Zealand’s Leading Urban Art Gallery
Representing Local & International Artists
DAME TRELISE AND KATHRYN WILSON
Dame Trelise Cooper and Kathryn Wilson, two of New Zealand’s most influential and premier designers, will rendezvous at Ballantynes for an exclusive showcase of their latest 2021 collections. Dame Trelise and Kathryn will share the inspiration for their collections, followed by a catwalk show and the opportunity to be among the first in Christchurch city to shop the ranges on the night. It is best to book now as spaces are limited. The ticket price for the evening is $45 and includes refreshments provided by Ballantynes’ own Kin Bistro and Winebar. 22 September, Ballantynes Department Store ballantynes.co.nz/events
8 8–18 30
DUNGEON MASTER
It’s like no show you’ve ever seen when Dungeon Master Brendon Bennetts and his brigade of comedians roll dice, slay orcs, and shoot magic missiles – thankfully, Little Andromeda provides the stage. As an ongoing series of performances, each episode can be enjoyed on its own, or the audience can join in the wider conversation online.
8 September, Little Andromeda Theatre littleandromeda.co.nz
THE MĀORI SIDESTEPS
Jamie McCaskill, Cohen Holloway, Erroll Anderson, and Regan Taylor are set to serenade as The Māori Sidesteps, with soulful harmonies, satirical skits, and superb song parodies. With rave reviews and a hit web series, this awesome foursome showband present your favourite songs with mischievous and hilarious twists. Don’t miss this Christchurch debut!
8–18 September, Court Theatre courttheatre.org.nz
MOON FESTIVAL
The city is to be illuminated this month with The South Island Moon Festival. This cultural event will see Ōtautahi pumping with displays of art, lanterns, performances, and food this spring. The festival is a tradition dating back 3000 years, coinciding with the harvest and the moon being at its biggest and brightest – a time for families to celebrate together. 30 September, Christchurch CBD southislandmoonfestival.co.nz
We encourage you to follow the guidance from the Ministry of Health with regards to attending public events. Check online for event updates.
ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN SEVENTY HILARIOUS MINUTES!
25 SEP – 16 OCT
CENTREPOINT THEATRE AND POTTED PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
