The world premiere of Michael's Shakespearean solo show, Frequently Asked Questions, will be presented at the New Zealand International Festival in Wellington, 2-11 March 2012, then at Q Theatre, Auckland, 28 March-13 April (dates TBC).  It will also be presented at The Street Theatre, Canberra (Australia) on 10-21 July 2012.

For more information and to book:  Click here for the International Festival, and here for The Street Theatre.

An insomniac called Hamlet discovers a script documenting the end of his life, and begins some serious late-night soul-searching: 'What a piece of work is a man?'; 'To be, or not to be?'  These are his FAQs.  And Hamlet can't sleep until he knows.

Developed in collaboration with writers Natalie Medlock and Dan Musgrove, this semi-autobiiographical work promises to deliver a thrilling fusion of youthful inspiration with virtuosic skill and experience.

Hurst melds his mastery of the Shakesearean form with an irreverent comic edge, darting back and forth between classical poetry and self-effacing banter with startling sleight of hand.  One moment Hamlet questions his existence over a box of noodles; the next he is in conversarion with himself as Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear invade his room and relive their own death scenes in front of him.  All of this builds to an unforgettable battle sequence in which Hurst unleashes 30 years of stage combat experience . . . on himself.

JENNIFER TO DIRECT THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Jennifer will direct Tyran Parke and Cherie Moore in Jason Robert Brown's contemporary song cycle The Last Five Years for Last Tapes Theatre Company at the Herald Theatre, 1-17 March 2012.  Click here to book.

This thought-provoking show tells the story of Jamie, a promising young writer in New York, and Cathy, an actress waiting for her big break.  The Last Five Years sees them share the story of their relationship--Jamie starting from the moment they first meet, and Cathy beginning her story at the end of their five years together.  Their storytelling is powerfully honest, funny, and at times heartbreaking.

AUSA OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE TRUST PRESENTS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Michael is Trustee of the AUSA Outdoor Shakespeare Trust, which will present Much Ado About Nothing at the University Clocktower Lawn, 3-24 March 2012.  Michael will serve as Production Advisor to director Sam Pascoe.  Starring Jess Bates, Chris Bryan, Alex MacDonald, Natalie Braid, Craig Serventy, and Luck Thornborough. 

Much Ado About Nothing is a light-hearted romp that follows the fortunes of two pairs of lovers: Beatrice and Benedick, staunch advocates of singledom, and their comrades Claudio and Hero, whose sweet and innocent love for each other renders them virtually speechless. Much mirth, mayhem and mischief inevitably ensue . . .

Click here for more info and to book.

YEAR-END KUDOS

Michael and Jennifer both have had their work in theatre recognized this year:

Theatre Scenes:   " . . . plays that dealt intelligently and engrossingly about art and artists.  Michael Hurst was first in Auckland Theatre Company’s Red, shaving off his hair to play Mark Rothko . . . His wife Jennifer Ward-Lealand then got her chance to play with the paints as NZ icon Rita Angus in Rita and Douglas, Dave Armstrong adapting the artist’s letters to one time lover Douglas Lilburn for the stage".

"There was many a bravura acting moment throughout the year.   . . . Michael Hurst in Red, . . . Jennifer Ward-Lealand in Rita and Douglas".

"The Wasteland, the debut performance from [ATC's] Participate program is the most exciting development from the company.  Director Michael Hurst and his company of 34 65+ year olds was a profound theatrical event".

New Zealand Herald:  "For those who love the theatre of ideas, Red offered a brilliant exploration of the clash between modernist idealism and post-modern irony.  In a similar vein, Rita and Douglas saw Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Houstoun giving a sharp reminder of the passionate intensity that pervaded New Zealand's beleaguered art scene in the 1940s".

Metro:  "Director Michael Hurst's production of T.S. Eliot's poem The Waste Land in the ATC studio put on stage 34 actors, all over 65 years of age, along with an assortment of elegant chairs, tables, lamps and the odd musical instrument (under the care of John Gibson).  It was exquisite, profoundly creative, joyful, tragic and remarkably skilled.  A national tour should be organised forthwith".