​What’s on this week?

August 26, 2015

​What’s on this week?

Creator of Stutterpop, Sam Brooks, is inspired by drag queens, cabaret comedienne Bridget Everett, and also actress Julia Croft. Photo: Supplied.

STUTTERPOP

What to expect: A lot of stuttering, lip-syncing, sharp wit and a poignancy that will catch you when you least expect it.

“And I’m in very high heels.”

Sam Brooks, named Auckland’s Most Exciting Playwright by Metro magazine in 2014, will be bringing to the stage his well-crafted autobiographical piece with as much enthusiasm as a Hilary Swank anti-fan at a Hilary Swank fan signing.

Stutterpop was born from Sam’s desire to put something about stuttering out there, “as an experience that can be translated into something people can understand and empathise with”.

Brooks said he gets a lot of inspiration from drag queens, cabaret comedienne Bridget Everett, and also actress Julia Croft.

The list of guest actors featuring each night includes Billy T nominee Eli Matthewson and ex-Shortland Street stars Nisha Madhan and Geordie Holibar, as well as Taofia Pelesasa (The Factory Story and Black Faggot), and Alice Canton.

When: Tuesday, August 25 to Saturday, August 28, 8.15pm

Where: Q Theatre Vault, before showing in Wellington next week.

Ticket Price: $18-$20 (service fees apply)

AUCKLAND ZINEFEST

This community festival, run by volunteers, celebrates zines (small self-published works of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier) and all things DIY in Auckland city.

Linda Lew, one of the organisers, said Zinefest calls for new committee members each year, as are always looking for fresh eyes and ideas. They hope that as the event continues to grow so will the number of volunteers.

The event has grown so much in the past few years they’ve had to change venues a few times since the festival started in 2009.

Auckland Zinefest Snapshot

The festival went from Cross Street Studios in Newton in 2009 to St Kevin’s Arcade in the heart of K'Road in 2010, until volunteers realized they needed a bigger space. They then moved to the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall in 2013.

However, following feedback from attendees saying it was still too crowded, they decided to change venues this year to Pitt St Methodist Church where they will be fitting in about 60 stalls for the Zinemarket.

The festival has a number of events on over the next few days, from talks to interactive workshops.

The main event, Zinemarket, is Ms Lew’s favourite part of the festival. when the venue buzzes with “all the excitement and activity”.

Click here for a PDF of the programme or visit the Facebook event page.

When: Saturday, August 29, 12-5pm

Where: Pitt St, Methodist Church

Price: FREE entry, but carry cash as there are stalls with cool things on offer.

ROLLER DERBY OPEN DAYS

Want to learn how to play roller derby? The Auckland Roller Derby League (ARDL) are hosting Open Days where anyone interested in this thrilling, fresh and adrenaline-pumping game can meet the team and try out some moves.

The Auckland Roller Derby League - the purple team

The ARDL was established in 2011 to gain Women’s Flat Track Derby Association membership and help raise the bar of flat track roller derby throughout New Zealand.

Roller Derby player, Brittany Baker, 20, said the ARDL are focused on building athleticism, hard work and camaraderie in a fun, positive and supportive environment.

When: August 29 and 30, 10am to 12pm

Where: ActivZone Glenfield

Price: $10 which covers gear hire.