Performed by third year students and directed by Stephanie McKellar-Smith as part of a NASDA season of New Zealand plays.

Set in Marlborough in the late 1860s, ‘The Bellbird’ brings the worlds of Maori and Pakeha together in a haunting play of passion, family politics and despair.  A touching romance between main characters Flo and Api struggles to blossom in the harsh social climate of nineteenth-century New Zealand.  Writer Stephen Sinclair uses both Maori and English language to bring out the bicultural love story and the ever-present influence of cultural ties.  Exploring issues of loyalty, work and gender among indigenous and settler communities, ‘The Bellbird’ conveys a message that is equally relevant to contemporary New Zealand.

‘The Bellbird’ was first performed by the Auckland Theatre Company in June 2002  and this production offers only the second opportunity for New Zealand audiences to see this beautiful and moving play.

‘The Bellbird’ opens in NASDA Studio One, E Block on CPIT’s Madras Street Campus on Saturday June 6^th at 7.30pm and plays nightly at 7.30pm until Thursday June 11^th with a matinee performance on Sunday June 7^th at 4pm.

Tickets are $12 student, $18 adult and may be booked by calling Sharon Moynihan on 940 8063.  If your school group would like to attend a week-day performance, please contact this number also.