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 He then showed everyone that even though the script was old and out of date, he still cared enough for it to politely disagree with most of the feedback and criticism.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.
