Making New Theatre in the Current Arts Landscape/Hellscape
What does it mean to make theatre in 2026? In a time of funding pressures, shifting audience habits, digital distraction, and global uncertainty, artists are finding new ways to create, connect, and tell stories.
Join Dr Erin Harrington, Juanita Hepi, and Dr Pedro Ilgenfritz for a discussion on the realities of creating new theatre today. From artistic risk and audience engagement to training, sustainability, and keeping creative practice alive, they'll explore the challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary performance in Aotearoa and beyond.
The panel brings together a leading arts commentator and researcher, an acclaimed multidisciplinary storyteller and Indigenous arts advocate, and an experienced theatre director, educator, and scholar. Together, they'll consider what "new theatre" can be when the arts landscape sometimes feels a little like a hellscape.
Moderated by Lizzie Tollemache, Christchurch theatre-maker, producer, arts leader, and Creative Director of Rollicking Entertainment.
Bought a Festival Feast ticket? Attend the panel discussion for free! You will be contacted closer to the event date to arrange your free ticket to the Panel Discussion.
Running Times:
Times are approx. and subject to change at any time.
Box Office / Door Open Time: 30 minutes prior to event start
Main Act Time: 11:30am
Approx. Finish Time: 12:45pm