Tag Archives: Matene Karena

January 2010 Fono

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

Ni sa bula
Taloha ni
Talofa lava
Fakaalofa lahi atu
Malo e lelei
Kia orana
Tena koutou

Welcome to the after-match report.

Present were JODY HOANI, MICHELLE JOHANSSON, MATENE KARENA, CHETAN PATEL, MICHAEL REWIRI-THORSEN, ERIC SMITH, LOUISE TU’U, JENNI HEKA and DAVID MAMEA.

Apologies were received from the reverend MUA PUA.

INAUGURAL 2009 JUKEBOX

Good vibes were reported from various quarters about the Jukebox in December 2009. The evening was judged to be a success, and the group looks forward to making it a regular event on the theatre landscape.

2010 CREATIVE CLINICS

By the time these minutes have been posted, the deadline for Banana Boat’s Inaugural Creative Clinics will have come and gone – but if you’re on the right email-lists, that would be old news; and if you’re not, 2011 is another year.

These clinics give playwrights and their scripts the opportunity to have:

— a half-day workshop with Massive Theatre’s JAMES WILSON; and/or

— a half-day one-on-one script lab with ALBERT BELZ (“Where’s New Net”).

The clinics take place on MONDAY and TUESDAY, 8-9 MARCH, 10:00am to 4:30pm, at the COUNCIL CHAMBERS in the Auckland Town Hall. The clinics are open to the public for a look-behind-the-scenes kind of thing so don’t be shy.

The 2010 Banana Boat Creative Clinics are made possible with the support of AUCKLAND CITY CREATIVE COMMUNITIES and PLAYMARKET.

2010 PRODUCERS WORKSHOPS

The Banana Boat is ALSO proud to announce the upcoming 2010 Producers Workshops that will take place over two SATURDAYS, 10 and 17 APRIL 2010, at The Edge.

A call for applications will go out soon (once the flurry over the Creative Clinics dies down a little) but fear not: there will be a deadline, there will be application criteria, there are limited places – the whole kit and caboodle that you love so much.

EVEN MORE UPCOMING STUFF

Banana Boat is responding to the call for a LIGHTING & SET DESIGN WORKSHOP and is working on it for – hopefully – later this year.

There is a WRITERS’ RETREAT in planning stages for the last quarter of 2010. This replaces the Pasifika Forum that usually happens around now (or soon).

IN OTHER NEWS

– ERIC SMITH and CHETAN PATEL’s “I Don’t Do Coconut” will open the Banana Boat’s 2010 Reading Series in late March – watch this space (or email Eric).

– MICHELLE JOHANSSON’s “Uso” (previously titled “Impact”) premieres on 10 March 2010 at the Musgrove Theatre – for more details, go to http://blackfriarscompany.blogspot.com.

SCRIPT READINGS —

… were not possible due to an uncooperative printer.

So David got up, set up a whiteboard and said, “I’ve got this idea for a story…” Sixty minutes went rather quickly as —

— David outlined the bones of his concept: he had three – no, four – no, three – characters and specific production constraints —

— the group spitballed and discussed and took numerous detours about the concept —

— characters were modified and pummelled —

— themes were tossed into the ring and kicked about —

— and the narrative structure was hassled and harried.

People seemed to enjoy it. David’s just happy the group did the heavy lifiting for him on his project.

NEXT MEETING —

— is on THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2010 at the usual time and place.

SCRIPTS TO BE READ —

— at future meetings are welcome on a first-in, first-served and time-permitting basis. To avoid disappointment, getting in touch with David or Jenni at least a week beforehand will increase the chances of your script being read.

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.

If you have any questions, suggestions or requests, please don’t hesitate to email me, or call Jenni on 09 365 2648 (Mondays, Thursday-Fridays, business hours).

Share

22 October 2009 Fono

Boat Business, , , ,

Welcome to the after-match report.

Present were MICHELLE JOHANSSON, VIOLA JOHANSSON, MATENE KARENA, JENNI HEKA and DAVID MAMEA.

Apologies were received with thanks from a work-waylaid CHETAN PATEL, a car-keys-seeking ERIC SMITH, the reverend MUA PUA, and the ever-gigging JAMES NOKISE.

At first there was just MATENE, JENNI and DAVID. Then they were joined by MICHELLE and VIOLA. But you don’t skim these missives for the Order of Appearance.

In the absence of the Usual Suspects, plans were made regarding future Banana Boat meetings. Executive decisions taken. Anticipation was rife. Strong plunger coffee was had.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER MEETING/S

The next meeting will:
– have rehearsed readings of scripts by Banana Boat writers;
– have a festive, summery, YULETIDE air; and
– be an end-of-year meeting to see out 2009!

And to this end:
– there will be no meeting in November*;
– the next meeting will be on THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER at a location and time to be advised closer to the date.

(* Addicts are welcome to arrange a more informal gathering if they wish on the fourth Thursday of the month if they so wish.)

IN OTHER NEWS

– JONATHAN P RILEY and PHOENIX SEVE graced the 2009 Titirangi 24 Hour Theatre Challenge with their writing. Louise Tu’u was also there as a director.

– Phoenix’s “Fale of Troy” will have a limited run at Henderson High School from TUESDAY 24 to SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER.

– David’s short film, TO’ONA’I, is having a wee screening at the Academy Cinemas in Lorne Street, Auckland city, on SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER at 12:30PM.

NEXT MEETING —

— is on THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER, location, time and juicy details to be advised.

Share

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.

Share

25 June 2009 Meeting

Boat Business, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to the after-match report. Thank you for your patience.

Present were Arnette Arapai, Devo, Albert Belz, Matene Karena, Ole Maiava, Chetan Patel, Jonathan Riley, Amy Rountree, Eric Smith, Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua, Stan Wolfgramm, Jenni Heka and David Mamea.

Apologies were received from the still-globe-trotting Stacey Leilua, the enigmatic Nina Tapu, David Grierson, and the double-booked Michelle Johansson.

Stuff

Jenni kicked things off with reminders like:
– Matariki and all the theatre and writing opportunities available to the group during this auspicious time;
– Jukebox 2009 deadline is 31 July; and
– Banana Boat 2010 submissions have been received and are still being considered – expect an announcement by the next meeting.

Arnette followed up with an impassioned exhortation to the younger writers to do the Postgraduate Masters in Creative Writing at Victoria University in Wellington. What. Are. You. Waiting. For?

Guest Speakers

Wanjiku Kiarie shared her theatre experiences – both on- and behind-stage – from her early days in Kenya through to her time in New Zealand. She promoted the visit of Kenyan playwright Wakanyote Njuguna later in the year. Schedules permitting, Mr Njuguna could give a talk at the October Banana Boat meeting, or even hold a workshop on theatre with a unique perspective (at least for New Zealand). Watch this space.

Sydney resident Devo, in town for Matariki (among other things, I’m sure), is a member of Sydney writing group, Black Men Writing. He shared with the group the possibilities of staging shows: a space for an audience and actors is limited only by our imagination.

Reading

Albert shared the first act of his work in progress Raising the Titanics. The group was treated to a first draft chocker with solid characterisation and narrative through dialogue, behaviour and careful plotting.

Quote of the month goes to Mr Belz for his response to the question of how long it took him to write 35 pages of script: after thinking about it, he said, Since Monday.

Next Meeting —

— will be on Thursday, 23 July at the Toi Ora Live Art Trust, 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn.

Scripts to be Read —

— at the July 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. Contact David for further information.

Share

ARCHIVE – 23 April 2009 meeting

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

Autumn greetings and images of waving palm trees to you.

Welcome to a late after-match report for the 23 April Banana Boat meeting.

Present were Matene, Ole Maiava, Chetan Patel, Stacey Leilua, Jonathan P Riley, Fasitua Amosa, Jenni Heka, Michelle Johansson, Eric Smith, Albert Belz, Stan Wolfgramm, Arnette Arapai, Victoria Schmidt and David Mamea.

Apologies were received from Lee Aholima and Nina Tapu.

Guest speaker playwright Albert Belz gave an inspiring talk to the group about his career to date, including his tour of duty with “Shortland Street”, his process of writing and rewriting, and challenging being pigeonholed as ‘a Maori playwright’.

Housekeeping included:
– a BIG REMINDER that the 2009 Pasifika Playwright Development Forum takes place on Saturday, 2 May;
– the weekend 2-3 May is the deadline for the 2010 Banana Boat season;
– a gentle reminder that Massive will have Lennie James in the country, a resource that Banana Boat would be silly to ignore;
– and a gentle reminder that the Jukebox deadline is a mere three months away.

Readings were generously provided by Ole Maiava and Eric Smith.

Ole’s third draft of his Jukebox submission, “Skin Deep”, showed the group how much a script can change through drafts.

Eric’s own Jukebox submission, “Aitu”, showed how some stories and inspiration can come from the strangest of places.

We had a further two scripts available for reading, by Chetan Patel and Phoenix Seve, but we had run out of time; they now have first dibs for the next meeting.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 28 May at the Toi Ora Live Art Studio, 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn. Please note the new street number – Toi Ora has shifted up the road, directly (and by destiny’s hand) behind McDonalds Family Restaurant on Great North Road.

Scripts to be read at the May 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 by end of day Thursday 21 May. Scripts emailed after this date will need to be printed and copied at the author’s expense. Only complete act for a full-length play, or complete one-act or short plays are read by the group.

Share