Welcome to the after-match report. The July fono marked the twelfth monthly get together of the Banana Boat group. That’s our first year out of the way! Boo-ya!
Present were Arnette Arapai, David Grierson, Hayley Hansell, Jody Hoani, Matene Karena, Leilani, Christina Mamea, Chetan Patel, Victoria Schmidt, Stan Wolfgramm, Jenni Heka and David Mamea.
Apologies were received from the still-globe-trotting Stacey Leilua, and the quite busy Eric Smith.
2009 Banana Boat Jukebox
A final reminder rung out for the 2009 Jukebox season, which closed on Friday 31 July.
2010 Banana Boat Season
Jenni announced Banana Boat’s slate:
2010
– I Don’t Do Coconut by Chetan Patel & Eric Smith
– Makigi by Jonathan P Riley
– Road to Glory by Chetan Patel
– Then Sings My Soul by Victoria Schmidt
2011 onwards
– The NGG by Eric Smith
– Kingswood by D F Mamea
Congratulations to the above-named, thanks to all who submitted, and onwards to development, workshops and production!
2010 Pasifika Playwrights Development Initiative
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 25 September at 3:00pm.
Script Readings
The group was spoilt with readings this month:
– an untitled short piece by David G;
– Then Sings My Soul by Victoria Schmidt; and
– Skyblue by David M
David G’s piece showed dramatic and comedic promise as a short two-hander about an already dysfunctional bride and groom.
Victoria’s full-length script, based on her 10-minute monologue that electrified the 2009 Pasifika Forum, showed the group the challenges of expanding a short piece into a full-length play. The group looks forward to the next draft.
After group readings in December 2008 and May 2009 of earlier and varied incarnations of his project, David M finally had a complete draft to share. Feedback was balanced between those readers wanting more exposition and details, and those who were happy with filling in the blanks themselves.
Next Meeting —
— will be on Thursday, 27 August at the Toi Ora Live Art Trust, 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn.
Scripts to be Read —
— at the August meeting are welcome on a first-in, first-served and time-permitting basis. Only complete act/s for full-length plays, or complete one-act or short plays are read by the group. First-time attendees’ scripts will not be read. Scripts will need to be printed and copied at the writer’s expense.
To avoid disappointment, getting in touch with David or Jenni at least a week beforehand will increase the chances of your script being read.
