Fresh opera talent taking stage at iconic Mercury Theatre
Wednesday, 10 August 2016 by Kiwi International Hotel
Built in 1910, this
baroque-style theatre has been the home to many performances from
comedies and pantomimes, to cutting-edge drama and musicals. Its
landmark location just of Karangahape Road has made the Mercury
Theatre one of the most frequented theatres since it was
opened.
An inner-city icon, the Mercury Theatre is a cherished heritage
building and simply setting foot inside the structure is a
magnificent sight.
We're in for a treat this August at the Mercury Theatre. New
Zealand's fresh young opera talent are set
to take the stage in Handel's rarely performed Oreste.
This fiery tale is worth travelling to Auckland for, so book
central accommodation and make the most of the vibrant inner
city.
A mere five minutes is all it takes to walk from the Kiwi International Hotel to the Mercury Theatre. No
need to stress about being on time, you can wander on down at your
leisure and soak up the sights in between.
What's in a name?
Over the years, the Mercury Theatre has undergone a number of
name changes. Each time the name changed, a new era began.
The venue has always had a reputation for being ahead of its
time in the New Zealand theatre scene. Beginning under the name of
the King's Theatre, the venue not only had the facilities for live
drama, but also for Electric Moving Pictures - quite modern for its
time!
On Christmas Eve in 1911, only one year after its opening, the
King's Theatre showed the very first colour film in New Zealand.
Realising how much easier it was to organise a motion picture than
a cast of performers, the King's Theatre began regular screenings.
From this, the decision was made to relaunch the theatre as a
full-time cinema.
With a new purpose came a structural change and a new entrance
off Karangahape Road was formed. And now soaking up the glamourous
world of film, it seemed fitting to name the venue the
Prince Edward Theatre after one of the period's most glamourous
personalities.
As radio and television began to enter homes across the country,
the popularity of the cinema began to decline and live performances
were once again a desirable use of the theatre.
The infamous abdication of Prince Edward led to another name
change, one also more suitable for the theatre's mixed use for
cinema and live performances. In 1947, the popular Auckland venue
was renamed the Playhouse Theatre.
During its period as the Playhouse Theatre, the venue was home
to the first performance of the Royal New Zealand Ballet - a
historic event due to the very shallow stage. Over the next two
decades, the Playhouse showed a number of plays, musicals and
films, and the original entrance was re-opened.
The highs and lows of the Mercury Theatre
In 1967, the Playhouse closed and the building underwent
extensive refitting in preparation to become home to The Mercury
Theatre Company.
The company used the theatre as its headquarters and put on at
least 12 productions annually between 1968 and 1991.
The productions were known for their extravagance and attracted
many viewers. But due to the high costs of the shows, the theatre
couldn't keep up with expenses and the company was forced to close
its doors in 1992.
Until 2012, the theatre was owned and utilised by the Equippers
Church. After attempting to sell the venue in 2009, the Church
decided to take it off the market and revamp the theatre
instead.
The Mercury Theatre was relaunched in January 2014. An exciting
and memorable day for the theatre community.
A tale of sacrifice, danger and triumph is set to take
stage
An opera fanatic or not, Handel's
Oreste is a timeless tale that will have you gripping the edge
of your seat.
Narrowly escaping her own sacrifice by the hands of her father,
Iphigenia is destined for a life of fear as she is bound for a life
of servitude to the goddess who saved her, Diana.
After being swept to the Island of Tauris, Iphigenia begins to
loathe her life under Diana's order as she is given the gruesome
task of sacrificing foreigners who enter the Island's shores.
Amidst Iphigenia's mounting desperation, fates align and brings her
estranged brother, Oreste, to Tauris.
Handel's adaptation of this ancient Greek myth tells the story
of a search for sanity in a world drowning in fear.
Don't miss your opportunity to see this incredible performance
at one of our much loved theatres. Book your tickets today and
secure your chance to see some of New Zealand's best up and coming
opera stars in a performance of a lifetime.
To get the most out of your inner city experience, stay at the
Kiwi International Hotel.
Book today and enjoy quality accommodation with the city at
your doorstep.