Rangitoto by Geoffrey Clendon

Two families from different walks of life come together for the Christmas holiday in 1932 on Rangitoto. Both are determined to have a good time on the island paradise, but change is in the air. Will so-called progress result in a cold formality for island life, or will traditional values keep community spirit alive? Add to the mix the plight of an eccentric cave dweller, shenanigans on Lovers Lane and the drama of a New Year’s Eve party and you have a tale that will take you on a journey that is both entertaining, nostalgic and quintessentially Kiwi.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Rangitoto is an ambitious production with eight actors, a technical crew, and a season at The Pumphouse Takapuna and Artworks Waiheke. Everyone involved in the project is giving generously of their time and expertise for very little or no remuneration. The money raised through BOOSTED will go towards increasing the amount the actors and crew receive.

Rangitoto is the first play presented by Te Huringa O Te Tai Turning Tide Charitable Theatre Trust (Turning Tide Theatre). The Trust has been formed to tell stories of Aotearoa New Zealand in a theatrical form. Rangitoto is the first in a trilogy of plays set in the Hauraki Gulf. The forced postponement of the production last year because of Covid has only made the trustees more determined than ever to produce their art.

Through mounting a production of Rangitoto, the Trust aims to produce a high-quality piece of professional theatre that engages with audience members by bringing to life an aspect of their city’s history and cultural heritage and stimulating fruitful connections between the past and present. Whilst set ninety years ago, the play’s themes resonate with urban life today. Similar social and political tensions are ongoing in relation to New Zealanders' deep-seated desire for unspoiled places in which to retreat versus the pressures of development on those same sites.

The play is written and directed by Geoffrey Clendon. Geoffrey has recently completed 13 years as Head of Drama at Massey High School. He is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney and has worked in the performing arts for over 40 years as an actor, director, writer and teacher. 

Growing up on Milford beach, he has had a life-long love affair with Rangitoto Island. After school he’d row across to the island and spend time camping in a cave there. He became fascinated by the idiosyncratic baches and their equally quirky occupants. Out of this personal connection and further historical research, the play Rangitoto came to life.

With the cast and crew assembled, the play is now in rehearsal heading towards its opening at The Pumphouse on 23rd February 2023. The Trust has been successful in raising funds to cover costs such as venue, props, set and costumes as well as a small contribution to the actors and crew. Through the funds raised by this BOOSTED campaign, we hope to further support and recognise the worth of our stellar performers and technical team.