Tag Archives: David Grierson

23 July 2009 Fono

Boat Business, Theatre, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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28 May 2009 Meeting

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Present were Arnette Arapai, Sara Cole, David Grierson, Ezekiel Kennedy, Ole Maiava, James Nokise, Chetan Patel, Eric Smith, Sima Urale, Jenni Heka and David Mamea.

Apologies were received from Mua Strickson-Pua, Wellington-bound Michelle Johansson, a bed-ridden Jonathan Riley, Phoenix Seve, a house-bound Matene, and a globe-trotting Stacey Leilua.

Housekeeping – through circumstance rather than any gender-typing behaviour on anyone’s part – was done by Jenni who said:
– Jason Te Kare, Radio New Zealand producer, is looking for people to attend his Writing for Radio workshop;
– the Maori playwrights Matariki Hui is in early June, and all are welcome;
– Misa Tupou, who attended our February meeting, is planning a Honolulu Fringe Festival for October 2010;
– hot New Zealand playwright, Thomas Sainsbury, has new work that the group should savour: “Cindy and Eric Go To Hell” in early June;
– Albert Belz’s “Whero’s New Net” will be touring the country soon, and will be in Hamilton for those Banana Boaters wanting a road trip;
– further afield, Tania Muagututia’s “Angels” is close to production, for those who’ll be in the Garden City in the near future;
– and from the bedridden Mr Riley, Stir Fried Plays II are looking for ten-minute plays to put on in short order (no pun intended).

For further information, ask Jenni directly.

Script readings were kindly provided by Chetan and David M.

David provided the group with an old pilot script of his so that they could sink their teeth into a complete, longer-form script. He exhorted them to tear into it with their feedback and criticism. “I don’t care for it any more,” he said. “Don’t hold back.” He then showed everyone that even though the script was old and out of date, he still cared enough for it to politely disagree with most of the feedback and criticism.

Chetan shared the first act of his play in progress, “Road to Glory”, with much laughter, support and comments. The group looks forward to the remaining two acts. No pressure, Chetan.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 25 June at the Toi Ora Live Art Studio, 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn.

Scripts to be read at the June meeting are welcome on a first-in, first-served and time-permitting basis. If you want them printed beforehand, they must by forwarded to David (david@dfmamea.com) by end of day Thursday 18 June. Scripts emailed after this date will need to be printed and copied at the author’s expense. Only a complete act for a full-length play, or complete one-act or short plays are read by the group.

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