Latest fromPerforming Arts

Hamilton Arts Festival ready to make some noise in town
Over 800 artists – including local reggae band Katchafire – will come to Hamilton.

‘Blown away’: Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo heading to Auckland this year
The famed circus company was last here in 2023 with its icy spectacle Crystal.

Cirque du Soleil returns to NZ with Corteo
After wowing Kiwi audiences in 2023, the famed touring circus returns in October for a special Spark Arena residency. Video / Cirque du Soleil

Napier’s Bella Hey wins top NZ jazz dance award for fourth year
Young dancer Bella Hey tops NZ jazz exams for the fourth consecutive year. Video / Rafaella Melo

Services to Māori and education recognised with ONZM
Heke Huata has been involved in the cultural performing arts and education for 4 decades.

My Secret Auckland: Actor and director Suzy Sampson shares her favourite places in the city
Every week, we ask a well-known Aucklander for their favourite spots in the city.

Theatre legend Tim Bray on cancer, chemo and the man who's holding him together
'Within myself, I still completely feel me.'

Hamilton Arts Festival launches 2025 programme
From February 21 until March 2, the annual festival will hit the Tron with over 40 events.

Tim Bray Theatre Company's final curtain call as founder battles rare cancer
A champion of children's theatre announces closure after 33 years.

Dracula's bringing 'seductive spectacle, sharp wit, high-octane energy' to Rotorua
Expect acrobatics, powerhouse vocals and unforgettable comedy from the new show.

Taupō production of The 39 Steps clears out Zony Awards
The play won eight award categories.

Obit: Kerikeri's Doug Turner remembered as man behind town's performing arts centre
Huge efforts of Kerikeri performing arts legend Doug Turner recalled

Ava's chance to shine: Meet the 10-year-old Dannevirke girl playing Annie
Ava Te Huki is starring as Annie, despite never singing or acting in front of others.

'Really was terrible': Al Pacino details alcohol struggles and road to sobriety
The award-winning actor drank heavily to cope with his rise to global fame.

Live and Let Dai: ‘Who knows how early we could have got that’
Henwood had to let go of his anger. ‘No one wanted to misdiagnose me’.

Dai Henwood has 'full funeral' for himself
An emotionally-wrought third episode sees comedian learn about letting go in Japan.

David Dallas on the importance of small music venues
David Dallas speaks about why we need to highlight small venues to save live music. Video / Carson Bluck, Lana Andelane

Fringe in the ‘Stings: The Bay’s ‘best little arts festival’ is back
It looks a little different this year.

'There's more to life than dreaming about becoming an All Black'
The young Black Grace stars redefining masculinity through dance.

Rutene Spooner gets serious impersonating Billy T. James
Musical comedic storytelling by a modern Māori entertainer.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s classic No Exit comes to The Globe in Palmerston North
The play asks the audience to consider what hell really is.