Launch Party Update!

Theatre

5 May

Launch Party Update!

Hi All

I've finally recovered after almost collapsing in a heap of exhaustion from organising the recent Cafe Theatre's launch party and play reading. It was worth every minute as beaming smiles and laughter were had by all. Feeling chuffed is quite an understatement.

Held at the Garnet Station, hosted by the wonderful Verity George, Lisa Prager and staff. The evening was kicked off with amazing wood-fire pizza accompanied by music from the fabulous Hanna Judd, one half of Rook.

The moment everyone was sufficiently pizza'd and liquor'd up they made they're way from the cafe to the Tiny Theatre where everyone was greeted by Austin Mason's ideal setup and lighting design. I then garbled some incoherent nonsense, and eventually introduced Jennifer Ward-Lealand to officially launch the Cafe Theatre off with a proper sending. I have to sincerely thank Jennifer, yet again, for such a wonderful speech, she captured the true essence of what the Cafe Theatre is ultimately about, which hopes to become an integral part of the arts community.

The cast, Forrest Denize, Jennifer Onyeiwu, Lauren Middleton and Libby Johnston all joined on stage to perform a live reading of Thanksgiving in the Wilderness by Kellie Powell. They were simply awesome, considering that they had only one rehearsal moments prior, with a brief direction from yours truely. The general feedback from the audience was of surprise at the level of performance for a play reading and they absolutely loved it. It was the perfect play and the perfect cast for our first read, I'm extremely proud of them.

Finally, everyone moved back to the cafe where Rose Treadwell and Hana Judd of Rook stunned us all with their harmonising talents. To think that I had just stumbled across them performing at a random bar in Albany only two weeks prior simply had to be one of those serendipitous moments - they couldn't have been a more perfect fit for the event.

Thank you so much, to all of you involved and to those of you who came to support Cafe Theatre. I believe it is an ideal platform for performing artists and playwrights to regularly practice their craft with a live audience. So please, invite as many as you can to like the Cafe Theatre's FaceBook page. Also, feel free to post a comment, make any suggestions or give a review.

I look forward to seeing you all at the next one, which is soon to be announced.
So put the following date in your diary.

Aroha nui.

Carl Drake