Q Theatre:
It's the biggest weekend of the year for the country's movers and shakers. The annual Tempo Dance Festival takes over the whole of Q Theatre, with 50 performances showcasing everything from hip hop through to contemporary. It's designed to highlight "the value and joy" movement brings to us all, but also to show off the myriad ways our dancers and choreographers tell stories that, this year, range from examining the impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic on Samoa to thinking about bodies of the future. We're especially excited about seeing international visitors the LA Contemporary Dance Company, but also about seeing local makers footing it alongside some of the world's best.
Tempo Dance Festival, Q Theatre, from tonight until Sunday, October 14
Bruce Mason Centre:
And while we're on the subject of dance, who said disco was dead? Put those boogie shoes on and prepare to turn up the heat on a disco inferno! BONEY M, featuring original frontwoman Maizie Williams and a full live band, are back in town to perform chart toppers like Daddy Cool, Sunny, Ma Baker, Ra-Ra-Rasputin and Rivers of Babylon bound to get you shakin' your groove thing.
BONEY M, Bruce Mason Centre, tomorrow
Wellington:
The world's biggest and most spectacular wearable arts show is on right here in New Zealand. The World of WearableArts (WOW) celebrates 30 years with another spellbinding show where you'll be entertained, enthralled and left wondering just how did they do that? That's a sentiment that applies as much to the garments themselves as to the stage show, which features dancers, light shows, aerial artists and musicians, all set to music by some of our top composers. Wow really is the only word to describe it.
WOW, TSB Bank Arena, Wellington, until Sunday, October 14
Basement Theatre Studio
Paper Planes is a new play from Aaron Richardson which looks at mental health and anxiety. The piece opens up as Fran, unable to sleep, contemplates her indecisive dog, the visiting moon, and her rude Belarussian landlady. Richardson wrote Paper Planes as an ode to his younger self, and the piece uses vibrant elements to delve into its darker themes, such as the inventive use of puppetry – a rare inclusion in adult theatre. Paper Planes is directed by Cole Jenkins, produced by Alice Kirker, and stars Holly Hudson.
Basement Theatre Studio, until Saturday, 6:30pm
