Latest news with #TAHI


Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
TAHI Festival 2025: NZ's Celebration Of Solo Performance Returns With A New Format And Double The Line-Up
TAHI Festival is back 10-20 September with a brand-new format, expanded partnerships, and twice the shows compared to 2023. Now in its sixth year, TAHI doubles down on its kaupapa of elevating the solo performer, unveiling a new format and bringing fresh creative energy. With 16 shows across multiple Pōneke Wellington venues, this year's programme spans laugh-out-loud comedy, raw political theatre, poetic cabaret, animal therapy, and intimate living room storytelling. BATS Theatre becomes the home to new solo works, giving artists a dedicated space to premiere original solo pieces. Meanwhile, established and award-winning favourites will take centre stage at The Hannah, Circa Theatre, Te Auaha, Two/Fifty Seven Willis Street, on the street in a party van, and - in true solo style - an artist's own apartment. 'The festival has evolved over the years,' says Festival Director Sally Richards. 'TAHI has always been about the power of one, but we know no solo artist works alone. Our new model puts that network front and centre. We give artists the wrap-around support they need to take creative leaps, while growing a platform for their work to be seen.' New this year, TAHI introduces Creative Residencies — a major step in supporting the development of solo theatre in Aotearoa. These residencies offer artists time, space, and mentorship to explore new ideas and deepen their practice in a collaborative environment. In 2025, three residencies will be delivered in partnership with Creative New Zealand and leading arts organisations: a Māori Creatives Residency with Taki Rua Productions; a New Work for 10–14 Year Olds Residency with Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA) and Toi Pōneke Arts Centre; and an Emerging Artist Residency with BATS Theatre. HATCH, TAHI Festival's high-energy student showcase, returns to spotlight the next generation of solo performers. In partnership with Wellington City Council, Te Auaha, Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, HATCH supports emerging artists through workshops, mentorship, and creative development, culminating in a student showcase at BATS Theatre. 'BATS is proud to be the whare for TAHI Creative Residencies and HATCH, and to serve as the vibrant hub for this year's festival,' says Tania Marie Tapiki Smith, General Manager at BATS Theatre. TAHI began in 2019 and was last presented to Pōneke audiences in 2023 with eight shows. Now, in 2025, it returns 10–20 September with double the programme, a broader creative footprint, and the same commitment to courageous storytelling from some of the most exciting solo voices from Aotearoa and beyond. The full programme and ticketing information can be found at About TAHI Festival TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance is NZ's only festival dedicated to solo performance. Founded in 2019 by Dr Sally Richards, TAHI exists to support, showcase, and celebrate solo artists across genres and generations. Now in its sixth year, TAHI continues to foster new work, champion established voices, and build a vibrant national community for solo theatre makers. Learn more at

RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Soph & Indy - Stars of This Is Wheel Life & Lehali
music culture 1:00 pm today We are so happy to be catching up with our mates Soph & Indy who just launched season 2 of This is Wheel Life which you can watch on TAHI! Also a return to the studio for Lehali who has new music to tell us about Janay has a morning with her words but to be honest, what is new? Tags: culture music Culture Music


Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Your Best Wardrobe, Your Best Self
Bea Lee-Smith and Tempest Theatre Co are proud to present Colour Me Cecily Tāmaki Makaurau edition! Upper Hutt, 1984. Bust out your shoulder pads and join Cecily as she discovers her true self, through the wonderful world of fashion and style guide, Colour Me Beautiful. Cecily has escaped to New Zealand from London, following her divorce. She befriends an eccentric group of women, intent on living life to the fullest, and finds fulfilment in ways she never expected. Cecily's journey takes some hilarious twists and turns as she navigates her way through the minefield that is 1980s Upper Hutt. Having premiered at BATS in 2018, Colour Me Cecily has gone on to have highly acclaimed seasons at Sydney Fringe, The Dowse Art Museum and TAHI, the New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance. Colour Me Cecily is now coming to Auckland for a series of dates from the 7-9 August 2025. The show was inspired by a childhood in 1980s Upper Hutt, being raised by fish-out-of-water immigrant parents. Bea had spent several years away from the stage, and wanted to create a fun piece with a cast of entertaining characters to bring her back to the boards. Director Hilary Norris saw the script's potential, and agreed to come on board in late 2017. She has a wealth of experience both as a director and as an actor, including working on a number of one person shows. Hilary immigrated to Dunedin from the UK in 1970, and related to the play's themes of finding a new tribe and identity. Rich with nostalgia and the joy of self-discovery, come let Cecily colour your world… The Loft @ Q Theatre 7-9 August 2025 $28-$35

RNZ News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tee Hao-Aickin & Vitinia
music culture 1:00 pm today This is one of our favorite type of show on the TAHI chatting with young musicians about thier debut releases! Tee Hao-Aickin chats her debut solo single as tee. Vitinia talks to us about her debut album. Tags: culture music Culture Music