Admittedly the early days of August got away from us — life has that all-too-familiar ‘time is flying’ feeling right now. But alongside the cultural comforts we can enjoy at home, there’s a surprisingly impressive cultural agenda that’s kept us inspired in the days of late. If you’re like us, with little time to spare, our August Culture guide has all the essential shows, events and more you have to book in this month.
Lightscapes
The latest performance from the Royal New Zealand Ballet endeavours to celebrate the company’s rich cultural tapestry inspired by haka and the strength of the men of the RNZB; a striking and lasting addition to the RNZB’s repertoire, presenting the esteemed dancers in a new light. With three performances over the weekend and limited tickets remaining, we’d suggest rallying your most discerning friends and booking your tickets without haste.
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Thursday the 10th until Saturday the 12th of August, various times
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Things That Matter
Auckland Theatre Company will tomorrow launch into their next season of the year’s programme, a fantastic show adapted from Dr David Galler’s best-selling memoir of the same name that throws grand questions about our nation’s (undeniably broken) healthcare system into the ether. Through the tremendous talents of some of New Zealand’s greatest actors, Things That Matter becomes a tender and articulate account of the compassion and change needed in New Zealand’s health system. Tickets are now on sale for the two-week run.
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Saturday the 12th until Sunday the 27th of August, various times
FIFA Fan Festival Zone — The Final
Most never anticipated New Zealand would become well and truly caught up in football fever, but in part, it speaks to the human appeal of the excitement of live sports. Since winning the opening match (despite not qualifying for further rounds), New Zealand has cemented itself in the wider football vernacular. While the final games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in Australia, the Fan Festival Zone that has taken over The Cloud will host free daily performances from the likes of Ladi6, a delicious food offering, and live football matches on the big screen. We’re predicting this will be the best spot to watch the final. Get in quick to get a good seat.
The Cloud, open at various times and days
J.I.D
This month the Grammy-nominated Atlanta rapper, J.I.D will perform to his devoted New Zealand audiences for the first time as part of The Forever And A Day world tour he is currently in the middle of. Those unfamiliar with his name would likely know his sound, a beloved collaborator of 21 Savage, Offset, and even Imagine Dragons. He’s undeniably part of the new guard of rising hip-hop artists, and this month presents your chance to see him before he well and truly blows up.
Shed 10, Wednesday the 23rd of August, 7pm
The Comedy Treatment
Lauded New Zealand comedian Dai Henwood has been candid and vulnerable about his current struggle with cancer, a diagnosis he hid for almost two years. Now, he hopes to draw much-needed attention to the illness in the hope of fundraising to fund better treatment and support for those undergoing a similar diagnosis. In The Comedy Treatment, Henwood will take to Q Theatre’s stage for one night alongside Mel Bracewell, Josh Thomson, Ben Hurley and Justine Smith for “the funniest cancer fundraiser” we’ve ever seen. The last remaining tickets are still available, and the televised show will give viewers at home the opportunity to donate to the Cancer Society too.
Q Theatre, Thursday the 24th of August, 8pm
