Dramatic Pause
A newsletter for arts and culture coverage across New Zealand and the world, including journalism, reviews, and essays by Sam Brooks.

Latest

Mar
24
Critical Corner: Auckland Arts Festival Week Three Round-Up

Critical Corner: Auckland Arts Festival Week Three Round-Up

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Sincere Apologies, Ten Thousand Hours, Ihi. Wehi. Mana and The Visitors. Sometimes
6 min read
Mar
20
By The Numbers: Hanah Tayeb

By The Numbers: Hanah Tayeb

Hanah Tayeb is an Amazigh Algerian actor based in Auckland whose work spans stage and screen. A 2022 graduate of
3 min read
Mar
18
Four days at PANNZ

Four days at PANNZ

A reflection on four days at PANNZ (Performing Arts Network New Zealand), New Zealand’s national performing arts market. The
4 min read
Mar
16
Critical Corner: Auckland Arts Festival Week Two Round-Up

Critical Corner: Auckland Arts Festival Week Two Round-Up

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Duck Pond, Bluebeard’s Castle, A Place in The Sultan’s Castle
7 min read
Mar
12
By the Numbers: Oli Mathiesen

By the Numbers: Oli Mathiesen

Oli Mathiesen is a queer Māori choreographer and dancer based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. His work traverses dance, physical theatre,
4 min read
Mar
11
Critical Corner: Music Portrait of a Humbled Disabled Samoan; E Ipo, My Love

Critical Corner: Music Portrait of a Humbled Disabled Samoan; E Ipo, My Love

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of touring arts festival show Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan and
5 min read
Mar
09
Waiora: A Response

Waiora: A Response

A response to Waiora’s 30th anniversary production, a huge undertaking of a legendary play. There’s the obvious thing:
5 min read
Mar
02
Critical Corner: Abilitopia and White Noise

Critical Corner: Abilitopia and White Noise

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of two new dance shows from New Zealand’s leading disability-led arts organisation
5 min read
Feb
25
By The Numbers: Ben Ashby

By The Numbers: Ben Ashby

Ben Ashby is the co-director of a2 Company with Nadiyah Akbar. They make physical theatre and contemporary dance, and are
5 min read
Feb
18
By The Numbers: Laura Vincent

By The Numbers: Laura Vincent

Laura Vincent (Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāpuhi) is an author whose work spans fiction, poetry, and food writing. She has written the
7 min read