Hamilton playwright comes out of the dark and into the light
By Paul Michael
Hamilton/Kirikiriroa playwright Melanie Allison’s new play Daylight Savings opens on Wednesday 29th July through till August 1 at the Meteor Theatre.
It’s a dystopian dark comedy where efforts to avoid a climate catastrophe has led to a world without daylight.
The cast includes Antony Aiono a former student from Hillcrest High School, with production by Nathan Higgins and Allison directing.
A mainstay of the Meteor Theatre Allison said,” the Meteor is like my second home, I know the staff and get on well with everyone.”
She writes plays in a free flow style to begin with and adds detail later so that she doesn’t get caught up over intellectualising.
The Creative Waikato ‘Whiria te Taangata’ scheme which in English means ‘weave the people together” has been of great help. The scheme, where resident artists are supported with some funding, has given Allison the ability to spend more time on her work.
Growing up in South Waikato, Allison studied through correspondence before attending the University of Waikato, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and English.
Allison said, “Tennessee Williams’ play, The Glass Menagerie, had a big affect on my wishing to become a playwright.”
She also cites Anime’ produced by the Studio Ghibli in Japan as being an artform she is influenced by and enjoys.
Allison, who lives in Hamilton with her husband Andrew and two cats named Silver Mist and Gravy, has formed Magic Mirror Theatre company as a way of showcasing original, small productions in the city.
As well as writing Daylight Savings, she has been involved with the graphic design, photography and set building for this play as well as directing, evidence that theatre requires adaptability and effort.
Her favourite role is directing, “this is the most rewarding role – you can see the growth in the people around you and actors going from a-z.” in terms of their craft.
Ultimately, she would like a sustainable arts career and feels that to be involved in the arts community at present almost feels like an act of protest.
So Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton lets go see Daylight Savings 29 July – 1 August at the Meteor Theatre.
