NGA MIHI NUI

Sense and Sensibility is a theatrical riot of smart, funny women. First, Jane Austen, whose biting wit and protofeminist eye are often overshadowed by her addictive romantic narratives. There is a sly complicity to Austen; she credits her readers with intelligence but also gives us the ending we want (swoon)! Then enter Penny Ashton (with a nod to Ang Lee’s excellent 1995 film adaptation), who melds fabulous comedy with keen political awareness. Penny lends a contemporary energy to her theatricalisation of Austen’s 1811 novel and highlights the relevance of the Dashwood women - denied economic freedom and subject to double-standardswithout skimping on the fun or romance.

Penny is known for her solo theatrical adaptations, but Sense and Sensibility is entrusted to another smart, funny woman - Director, Hillary Moulder - who has in turn brought together a cast of six brilliant women (plus three fantastic understudies), who nimbly embody 22 distinct characters in a delightful whirlwind of scenes. Hillary is familiar to Court audiences through her work as a performer and choreographer and it is exciting to see her bring those skills to the direction of Sense and Sensibility.

The design team demonstrate their inventiveness and meticulous attention to detail. Julian Southgate’s set cleverly and beautifully draws on Georgian theatricals all illuminated, of course, by Giles Tanner’s skilled lighting design. Tina Hutchison-Thomas’ costumes showcase her knowledge of the era, with ingenious devices that transform the characters in a moment. Matt Short’s sound design includes original composition, period pieces, period-takes on pop and evocative sound effects. The complexity of a production such as this depends too on the dedicated expertise and care of Stage Manager Jo Bunce and our incredible production team.

Sense and Sensibility is a wild, smart and fun play and I hope you will relish every detail.

Dr Alison Walls Artistic Director / Pou Kaitohu Toi