Master of Fine Arts showcase features new works from emerging artists

Actors and puppets on stage.

Running from 27 January to 11 February, the inaugural season of Summer of 77 will feature seven exciting new works by some of the most promising young theatre practitioners in New Zealand. Each production represents the culmination of a year-long intensive study of creative practice.

Student Joel Rudolph says the Theatre course has given everyone the opportunity to investigate what parts of the theatre industry excite them. “I was able to thoroughly explore musical composition in a theatrical context and realise that interest into a full-scale musical production.”

Victoria's unique MFA (CP) programme allows students to choose their own specialisation, and the works in Summer of 77 reflect the diversity of creative interests within the class, including directing, devising, scenography, production craft and arts management.

"The Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) at Victoria University offers emerging practitioners opportunities to master specialised creative skills, develop professional networks and find their place in New Zealand's creative arts industries,” says Dr James McKinnon, senior lecturer in the Theatre programme.

“Our very first MFA (CP) Theatre class has already been making a mark on Wellington's creative community by contributing to many of the biggest hits of the 2017 theatre season. We're excited to see their work in the spotlight in the Summer of 77 season.”

Summer of 77 programme:

How To Write An Album In 12 Hours  by Liam Kelly and Sam Tippet
12pm–12am | Saturday 27 January | Studio 77, Fairlie Terrace

Confessions of a Secret Hoarder  by Darryl Ng and Joel Rudolph
5pm | 30 January–1 February | Studio 77, Fairlie Terrace

Memento  by Jennifer O’Sullivan
7pm | 31 January–3 February | Drama Studio House

Tacet by Kristyan Sian
8:30pm/7:30pm | 3–5 February | 77 Fairlie Terrace

Between the Sheets  by Kasey Collins
8:15pm/9:15pm | 8–10 February | Drama Studio House

Moose  by Lucas Neal
7pm | 8-10 February | 93 Kelburn Parade

100% Pure Tour by Bethany Miller
Various times | 3, 4, 10, 11 February | Wellington waterfront, starting at the lagoon.