Working with community at the Aotea Centre

Now in the realm of film and video, Warwick Broadhead is discovering more and more possibilties.

The Resting Show is a community show involving all those interested, based on the idea of Rumi, Zane Grey, and resting - a huge drama involving three or four choirs, a percussive orchestra, teams of runners, hundreds of cowboys and a couple of gals. Warwick is currently seeking an opportunity to present this show.

The Resting Show  -  with Warwick Broadhead will change your life. Cast and Crew wanted for spectacular extravaganza. Here is a unique opportunity to be part of a large scale theatre production that will sear into your memory for the rest of your life. Iconic theatre director Warwick Broadhead is returning to a large scale community production, and is looking for rivers of men to be part of this spectacular extravaganza celebrating masculinity and men’s energy.

Imagine the beauty of the human body as sculptural form expressed en mass in a grand, bold, visual production involving: procession, opera, the poetry of Rumi, mass nudity, gymnastics, chorus, percussion, clumps swathes and rivers of men, spanning beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces at the Corbans Art Estate West Auckland. 

Imagine living a life much bigger than you usually do, with a family of hundreds for three months, building strong bonds and creating a special experience that will live with you for the rest of your life.

Warwick is a magician of the performing arts and community theatre and one of New Zealand’s most innovative and creative directors, and if you saw any of his productions in the eighties you will immediately know what a unique opportunity this is. Warwick hasn’t done a show here for a number of years and the grand scale of this one is something very rare.  

Rehearsals are twice a week and more frequent closer to the performances (April 16th-May 3rd) and start now. In terms of commitment, anybody interested is invited to attend 3 consecutive rehearsals to audition Warwick before committing.

The story is set during a gold rush, is an old style morality tale of greed, and Warwick wants to explore ideas of masculinity and male energy in the warm up and devising / rehearsal period. We are expecting the cast will be made up mainly of men. Warwick is very experienced at working with people who have no theatrical or dramatic experience. He works with a great sense of joy and ease and encourages his actors to embrace and express all of their creativity. We are looking for anybody and everybody who is interested in being involved, in any capacity, whether as performer, props builder, crew, stagehand, front of house or general support. 

The process will be one of community building and exploration with the cast, which will lead to more intense and focused rehearsals in preparation for the performance season. I can’t stress enough how exciting an opportunity this is.

Interested parties can contact Matt Norton at auteur@ihug.co.nz 09 814 1899. Call or email for more information OR call Warwick on (09) 372 4222.

• The Resting Show premiered in Auckland at Corbam Estate Arts Centre on 16 April 2009 and is available for booking.

Contact Warwick by phone (09) 372 4222
or by postal delivery to: 58 Crescent Road West Extension
Palm Beach, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081