Maungatapu

Murder, mayhem, love, loyalty, betrayal, honour, comradeship, justice, injustice and Nelson � this story has it all, and we want to share our story.

Maungatapu tells the tale of the Burgess/Kelly Gang. In 1866 they murdered five men on the Maungatapu track, near Nelson, in New Zealand's most infamous case of bush-ranging. The gang's subsequent arrest, trial and hangings set the whole colony aflame with a mixture of morbid curiosity and righteous indignation.

Developed over two years, the play is based on Burgess's confessions along with court transcripts, and articles from the fledgling Nelson Evening Mail (which itself was founded in 1866). And now we want to share this exciting and intriguing slice of Nelson's history with you.

We have written, tested and developed. We have begged, borrowed and bartered. But sometimes only actual money will do. We need your donation to help us to take our story on the road.

The world premiere of Maungatapu is in October as part of the Nelson Arts Festival, before we head out on a rural tour starting with Murchison, Picton, Blenheim, Takaka and Havelock in November.

Maungatapu is written by Justin Eade and directed by Giles Burton. Justin was winner of the prestigious Kairos Screenplay competition, Hollywood, and writer of the hit comedy Central Otago Man. Giles is a theatre and summer Shakespeare director and technical director for the Prague Fringe Festival.

We know how to make every dollar count and your donation will go a long way towards sending us on our way. All funds raised will go towards accommodation, food and transport costs for the tour.

From Burgess' remarkable death row 'confession', to Sullivan's 'betrayal' of the others in return for a pardon, where does the truth lie?

Many thanks,

Justin, Giles, Judene, Cameron, Pete, Dan and Nick

"For brevity, succinctness, and concentration,  it [Burgess's confession] is perhaps without its peer in the literature of murder."

MARK TWAIN

(Thanks so much Peter Blasdale for doing the video for us - you rock!!!)