I was awoken by a text from my UK friend, which was fortunate as I needed to get up early to kick off Day 1 of the Tauranga Arts Fest with the official opening of the Grace Exhibition. The stroll down to Masonic Park reinforced exactly why I live in the beautiful Bay of Plenty - A picturesque morning with a slight spring bite to awaken the senses.
As I arrived, the gates were being thrust aside to allow the small crowd in. Greg the Director greeted me with a nice warm hug. I like hugs. It's a good way to launch a festival. If only hugs were a compulsory way to start each day.
The Grace Exhibition is quite striking in the glow of the morning sun. It calls out to you as you meander down the path toward the backdrop of the inviting Pacific Crystal Palace. It's the renowned photographer Peter Bush's work on display with enlarged rugby action shots replicated by a clever dancers from Townsville.
There are All Blacks from yesteryear which would instantly elicit reminiscent running commentary from my Dad. New Zealand vs. France photos which have a heightened sense of relevance with Sunday's foreboding final match and dancers caught mid-air in heels. As much as I trot around in my heels, I don't think I could ever leap in the air wearing a pair.
After work I raced home, applied some more make-up, ate dinner and left for the Rita and Douglas play at Baycourt. I realised in the car they I smelt a little bit like satay stir-fry. Ah well.
Outfit: An old favourite - Long sleeved hooded tui dress.
Shoes: Black knee-high boots, that have served me for 5 years.
I arrived at Baycourt and I think I was the youngest person there. Canes were the accessory of choice and patrons had donned their best attire. It reminded me of when I was a kid and you'd have that one new outfit that was worn to every outing and event (until it got stained and ended up rotation with your normal school clothes).
I called out to mum when I saw her and a few heads turned in my direction, thinking their child was summoning them. We sat down to a stage that had a mock artists studio and a lit piano. Mum was quietly excited to be there and as the first tune danced off the keys, I could feel her appreciation envelop me.
The play was a very raw and candid account of Rita Angus’ relationship with Douglas Lilund, two iconic New Zealand artists. Rita's paintings were cast on a slideshow backdrop as Douglas' music accompanied the scenes. The actor's outfits cleverly mirroring the images. Letters were verbally shared and I couldn't help but wonder what Rita would think from above. Her inner struggle lovingly exposed on the table. I felt sad for Rita, but glad I had seen the play.
I quickly kissed mum adieu from our seats and raced down the stairs to the Pacific Crystal Palace, hoping not to cause an injury along the way. As I entered the Palace, the lights dimmed and LA Mitchell's set began. I looked around for my companion who had saved a seat for me, but it was dark and all I could see was the reflection of myself in the mirrors. She was finally located and we sat beneath the grandiose chandelier in awe of LA Mitchell’s singing.
Her voice belted out from her petite frame cutting right through me and tugging at my soul, transporting me to another place and time. I closed my eyes and imagined a back alley smoky jazz club. She wore pants that Sandra D would've had envied, sung with a hint of Stevie Wonder and a twist of the late Miss Winehouse, dripped with wit and charm and had the same turning 30 crises as I had just experienced. The band was effortless, like they could play in their sleep and her gutsy performance made me wish that I could sing just a little. According to my colleague, I belong in the tone deaf category.
At intermission, my flatmate and I shared a brownie. Both suckers for all things chocolate. It didn't last long (I think I returned the plate in under 4 minutes). Nothing beats a good brownie that makes you ‘mmmmm’ out loud.Then I noticed Antonio Forcione and Adriano Adewale in the crowd, on the eve of their first concert and hoped I didn’t have crumbs on my face.
As we left the concert full of admiration, through the evening lit Grace Exhibition and past the grating tune Karaoke from a bar, it occured to me that this is an experience I am most fortunate to be a part of. It’s not often we have the opportunity to have a varied taste of culture of such high calibre right here. If you haven’t booked a ticket for a concert or show, I strongly recommend it. After all, it has only just begun!
http://www.taurangafestival.co.nz/
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