The weekend is upon us, and if you haven’t made any plans yet — fear not. There are a plethora of interesting, inspiring, incredible and astonishing cultural events happening in venues around the City this weekend, from one-man plays to burlesque performances to Irish live music and more. Here, we round up five exceptional cultural events that you should book tickets to ahead of the weekend.
In the Name of the Son — The Gerry Conlon Story at Q Theatre
A riveting portrayal of resilience in the face of injustice and fame, In the Name of the Son – The Gerry Conlon Story, sees Shaun Blaney masterfully bring Gerry Conlon’s tumultuous true story to life. The one-man play delves into Conlon’s rollercoaster ride from incarceration as one of the wrongly convicted Guildford Four to sudden acclaim following the release of the hit movie In the Name of the Father. As Conlon grapples with newfound wealth and status, his battle with addiction becomes a central theme, illustrating the harsh realities of fame. Audiences are drawn into Conlon’s world, experiencing the highs and lows of his turbulent existence with palpable emotion in this deeply moving work that really, explores the human spirit. Book tickets here.
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Afrique en Cirque — The Civic
Offering a vibrant celebration of African culture that promises to captivate audiences with its fusion of Afro-jazz rhythms, traditional kora melodies and breathtaking acrobatics, Afrique en Cirque is an unmissable experience. Drawing inspiration from the daily life of Guinea, this circus extravaganza transports the essence of Africa to the grand stage of The Civic. From its charismatic performers who captivate and delight audiences with irrepressible energy, to its pulsating percussion, gravity-defying stunts and laugh-out-loud comedic skits, Afrique en Cirque is more than just a spectacle; it’s an immersive journey that promises to leave you spellbound and uplifted by the rich tapestry of African heritage and talent. Book tickets here.
Oh le Pepelu, la Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai. The Liar, the Thief and the Coward — ASB Waterfront Theatre
Don’t miss out on this brilliantly crafted theatrical exploration that delves into the complexities of fa’a sāmoa, where family, tradition and leadership intersect in a tumultuous yet darkly comedic narrative. O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is set in Sāmoa’s recent history, and revolves around Pili Sā Tauilevā, a respected Ali’i (chief) facing a critical moment as his illness threatens to disrupt the sacred fa’a sāmoa tradition. As Pili’s health deteriorates, his refusal to name a successor ignites a power struggle between his daughter and son, leading to unexpected alliances and betrayals. Through a blend of English and Gagana Sāmoa, the play skilfully navigates themes of power dynamics, politics and the tension between tradition and modernity and is a poignant commentary on cultural identity and the evolving landscape of Samoan society. Book tickets here.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett — Spiegeltent, Aotea Square
Bernie Dieter is a captivating force in the world of cabaret and here, she offers Auckland audiences a decadent journey into the gritty yet exhilarating realm of Weimar-era underground club culture. As the self-proclaimed Queen of Weimar Punk, Dieter and her electrifying presence, brings a salacious and gin-soaked extravaganza of unfiltered circus and cabaret to our shores, infused with the irreverent spirit of the 1920s. Through a fusion of dangerous acrobatics, fire-breathing antics and mesmerising musical performances, this show delivers an unforgettable spectacle that embodies the essence of top-tier cabaret entertainment. Book tickets here.
Martin Hayes and Guests — Auckland Town Hall
Renowned as one of the world’s foremost fiddlers and a luminary in Irish traditional music, Martin Hayes is set to grace the Auckland Town Hall with his unparalleled talent in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. Not only will Hayes (the founding member of the acclaimed Irish-American ensemble, The Gloaming) be bringing his virtuoso interpretation of Irish melodies to the stage, but he will be joined by esteemed musicians Brian Donnellan and Conal O’Kane, both alumni of The Tulla Ceìiliì Band. With his exquisite musicality and infectious rhythm, Hayes promises an evening of spellbinding Irish music, transporting audiences to the heart of the Emerald Isle. Book tickets here.
