CULTURE CLUB

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

Do you remember a film, a show, or a book from your childhood that made you want to be that person, go to that place, or do that job? Well, I do, many times over. And though I yearned to be an archaeologist (thanks Indiana Jones) and had a deep desire to travel the world in 80 days just as Phileas Fogg did or belt out Seasons of Love with a troupe of Rent cast members on Broadway, I found myself slipping into the shoes of the writers and journalists that had been constant characters bubbling away in my crock pot of media consumption. It’s their portrayal of anti-heroic ‘guardians’ of the world in dramatic interpretations that I found so gripping. They discovered things as Indiana did, travelled as Fogg did, and even had their moments on the stage – yet without the glitz and glamour of the more traditional hero. So, here’s to those anti-heroes that continue to inspire.

As a bit of a history buff, this is right up my street. Half-Arsed History strikes the perfect balance as a podcast; it’s exceptionally interesting and educational without boring the living daylights out of you. Host Riley Knight can finally use his history degree and delivers tales of some of the world’s biggest events and characters in an enthralling way.

The boys are back. Amazon Prime’s foray into the superhero genre, The Boys, is an unexpected triumph. With Kiwi Karl Urban taking a leading role alongside fellow Kiwi Antony Starr (of Outrageous Fortune fame), the series breaks the mould of what we have come to expect from a caped Crusader. It’s human, debaucherously deep, and not at all for the faint-hearted. An excellent watch.

One of the world’s most successful writers James Patterson, Along Came a Spider and Alex Cross, has penned an excellent memoir, James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life. Perhaps what makes this so good is James’ mastery of colloquial writing. It is an exceptionally easy read, not because it is basic, but because it feels like you’re seated opposite James as he tells you the utterly fascinating story of his life.

That’s why we are proud to appoint him as a Director at Duns. Kevin’s service to clients is exceptional and reflects the way we do things at Duns. Discover how Duns mean business, contact Kevin today: kevinb@duns.co.nz or phone 03 260 2684

Six large glass sculptures by contemporary artists from Aotearoa have been added to the galleries at Ravenscar House Museum. These artworks have been waiting in the wings since the House Museum opened last year while their steel display stands, delayed by Covid-19, were fabricated and installed. Glass art was a particular favourite of Susan Wakefield, who along with husband Jim built Ravenscar House Museum as a tranquil, contemporary home where they could share their cherished art collection with the people of Christchurch. With annual passes now available, there’s never been a better time to visit. Open 7 days, 10am–5pm, Ravenscar House Museum ravenscarhouse.com

Winter calls for a rib-tickling comedy! Top Dog brings Shakespeare’s brilliant, fast-paced romantic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Isaac Theatre Royal this August. An expert cast will take on this modernised script and deliver a play brimming with interwoven plots of romance, love potions, songs, dances, and practical jokes. With live music and circus acrobatics, this will be everything you hope for. 11–13 August, Isaac Theatre Royal topdogtheatre.com

Rolling Stone Magazine has hailed Tami Neilson as a “Fire Breathing R&B Belter on her own terms”. She is set to mesmerise Christchurch audiences as she takes to the stage alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with her show Tami Neilson – Kingmaker. She’ll perform new songs with orchestral arrangements, a mix of original songs, and tributes to iconic women in country music. 20 August, Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, cso.co.nz

Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, will make its second appearance in Christchurch. The vino at Winetopia is laid out by region, so you can explore the best wines from Northland to Central Otago. Tickets also gain access to the Main Stage, which will boast talks and tastings hosted by Ben Hurley, alongside wine experts and Sideways author American Rex Pickett. All this plus music, food matches, and more. 26–27 August, Te Pae Convention Centre winetopia.co.nz

Opening night: Friday 2 September, 7pm

Purchase your tickets: trybooking.co.nz/KNC Public Exhibition: Free Admission Saturday 3 September, 9am – 4pm Sunday 4 September, 10am – 2pm St Margaret’s College Gymnasium

WORD Christchurch is coming from 31 August to 4 September! Meet us in the city for our top picks of the city’s festival celebrating people, stories, and ideas. For more on the programme, check out wordchristchurch.co.nz

THE FARAWAY NEAR: TSB SPACE, TŪRANGA 1–4 September, various times TSB Space, Tūranga The beautiful, innovative venue, The Faraway Near, puts you at the table with a stellar international writer seated with you via a life-sized screen. Share drinks and conversation for an intimate and unique literary experience. This year, a star-studded line-up of international guests will be beaming in to WORD, including Guardian correspondent Luke Harding, Station Eleven author Emily St John Mandel, activist and writer Rebecca Solnit, New Yorker reporter and author Patrick Radden Keefe, and historical novelist Heather Morris. Grab a table with family and friends! AN EVENING WITH LIANE MORIARTY 27 August, 7–8pm, Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College The sensational Liane Moriarty of Big Little Lies will be live on stage at WORD for a discussion around her hotly anticipated new novel Apples Will Fall. Moriarty is known and loved for her psychologically complex and thrilling pageturners, many of them now thrilling TV series. This promises to be a warm, wise, and insightful conversation about the intricacies of family life and love, friendship dynamics, how local observations become global stories, and the darkness that can lie beneath seemingly perfect lives. Join her at the Charles Luney Auditorium at St Margaret’s College. ADVENTUROUS WOMEN 3 September, 5.30–6.45pm The Piano Prepare to be inspired and moved as five extraordinary but very different women share powerful stories of bravery and risk from their own adventurous lives. Hear environmentalist, bookseller and author Ruth Shaw; writer, multimedia artist, Fulbright scholar and musician Coco Solid; mountaineer and author Jo Morgan; and The Two Raw Sisters cookbook authors and entrepreneurs Rosa and Margo Flanagan share stories of adventure. This is one of the most popular storytelling sessions, so make sure to grab your tickets early! CHRIS FINLAYSON: THE INNER CIRCLE 4 September, 2–3pm The Piano Hear lawyer and former senior minister Christopher Finlayson speak with legendary broadcaster Kim Hill about his time working alongside John Key for the National government, where he served as Attorney-General, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and Minister for the Arts, Culture and Heritage. Expect tales from his early years and time as a lawyer before entering politics – where he fought for Ngāi Tahu, pursuing the iwi’s Treaty claims – to entering politics and becoming one of the most senior members of the John Key-led National government.