Awatea

Here's what we thought of Awatea when we saw it last week: it was AMAZING.

It's set in a small East Coast town, from which a prodigal son called Matt Paku left some years to become a doctor. He now has a successful practise in Auckland, and he is the pride and joy of the entire community of Omoana. Proudest of all is his father, Werihe, who is blind and hears his son's news through letters that are read to him by the local post-mistress. Once a year, Matt returns to celebrate the New Year with his family and friends, but this year something is different...

This classic New Zealand play is a delight. It's directed by Colin McColl and stars George Henare. It's playing at the lovely Maidment. It's brought to you by the Auckland Theatre Company. Need more reasons? Good.