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11 June 2012

U.K playwright Nina Raine debuts her New Zealand installment of a sold-out production worldwide.

In a world dominated by communication and forced fed points of view, English playwright Nina Raine’s third play ‘Tribes’ offers a distinctive analysis: What do we hear? And are we really listening?

Bringing together an all-star cast including New Zealand icon Michael Hurst, Catherine Wilkin (The Importance of Being Earnest, McLeods Daughters) and newcomers Jodie Hillcock and Leon Wadham, and directed by Shane Bosher, Tribes primarily revolves around a deaf character that struggles to communicate with his dysfunctional family.

Of much debate amongst theatregoers, is whether the overwhelming and difficult patriarch figure in the play, Christopher (who seizes every opportunity to depart negativity at every turn) is in fact, based on Raine’s own father, critic and poet, Craig Raine. But Nina attests he’s not – her own father, in his defence, is not that pompous.

Unearthing some key insights into deaf culture, the play’s examination of communication and family, is broader than Nina Raine’s compelling portrayal. It forces us to consider the polarisation of this community by others, in a story that’s bursting at the seams with intelligence, humour and realism.

Silo in Auckland has exclusively secured this critically acclaimed play for the forthcoming season (commencing June 8^th). After sold-out productions in New York, Budapest and Melbourne, Tribes brings Raine’s talent as a playwright back to centre stage following her compelling debut ‘Rabbit’ and subsequent play ‘Tiger Country’.

Tickets are available to purchase here.

Friday 8^th – Saturday 30^th of June, 2012
Monday-Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm