Take the leading writers and actors of New Zealand’s theatre industry, mix them up at random, and give them 12 hours to write a play and 12 hours to rehearse before show time.

That’s the madcap world of the Urbis 24 hours Deadline Theatre. One day before the performance, eight of Auckland’s hottest playwrights will be given a mystery prop and a separate envelope containing photos of three of Auckland’s leading actors. In the space of 12 hours, they must each write a brand new 10-minute play.

Participants in this whirlwind of theatre creation include Michael Hurst, Oliver Driver, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Colin Mitchell, Margaret-Mary Hollins, James Griffin, Roy Ward, and Fiona Samuel.

You can see the results on Sunday 19th March 2006 in the Auckland Town Hall’s Concert Chamber. Tickets are available from Ticketek on (09) 307 5000 or via www.ticketek.co.nz.

While we’re on the subject of theatre, The Holy Sinner is back, this time in Wellington. The NZ International Arts Festival website gives the background:

In 1990, a play hailed as “the most extraordinary piece of theatre in recent memory” made its debut in Auckland to sell-out crowds and rave reviews. Sixteen years later, this landmark contemporary New Zealand work returns, revamped and more incredible than ever.

Based on Thomas Mann’s novel of the same name, The Holy Sinner is an epic tale of nobility falling from grace, filled with lies, deception, guilt, discovery and exultant transformation. The involvement of New Zealand’s top performers and designers, including Academy Award winner Grant Major (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), guarantees that the experience will be awe-inspiring and visually stunning.

Sounds mothwatering, doesn't it? Here's an interview with Marie Adams and Mike Mizrahi, who have brought The Holy Sinner to life.