Q stretches its legs
Q opened its doors in August after a fifteen year journey, driven by the performing arts sector, to create an independent purpose built mid-sized performance venue in central Auckland.
Executive Producer James Wilson tells us how the first season will “stretch the legs of the building and start to show audiences the range of work that Q is capable of hosting.”
He says they are already starting to see companies working collaboratively in areas like sharing their marketing and promotion.
"This week is particularly special for us, in having Tawata Productions, Taki Rua Productions and Atamira together in the same venue - which leads to conversations between artists in the bar, and who knows what new works might be dreamt up from those conversations.”
Tell us about your background and why you wanted to be part of Q?
I'm originally from London, where I trained as a theatre director. I moved to Auckland in 2005. Being a part of Q was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be at the start of something incredible.
Why is the opening of Q significant for Auckland and New Zealand?
There is nowhere like Q in the whole of New Zealand and very few spaces that are as flexible or allow such creative freedom in the world. Q’s opening is a triumph for the arts community, and I’m thrilled that Auckland now has such an innovative and exciting venue to call our own
Tell us a bit about the first season.
Our first season will really stretch the legs of the building and start to show audiences the range of work that Q is capable of hosting. We are very excited to bring together 3 of New Zealand's leading Maori performing arts companies, Taki Rua Productions, Atamira Dance Company and Tawata productions, who are all presenting work at Q during September. Following that, the building will be alive with a fantastic line up of dance work during the Tempo festival, before we welcome both ATC and Silo theatre to Q before Christmas. I'm also looking forward to checking out the late night Friday Improv show, Instant Kiwis, which kicks off from October.
What is unique about Q and who is it aimed at?
Q is a purpose built, fully flexible performance venue, with a fantastic cafe and bar, open from early in the morning, through till when the last audience member leaves at night. It’s a space that comes alive with people in it. Q is a catalyst for Auckland's thriving creative sectors- it will bring together audiences and artists across art forms, and provide a platform for audiences to discover new ideas and experiences. I believe that the flexibility of Q is a perfect fit for Auckland's diverse performing arts scene, and I'm looking forward to seeing how our practitioners and companies fill the spaces.
In what way does it fill a gap in Auckland’s theatre needs?
Q is the only mid-sized, flexi form theatre in central Auckland. It offers companies an opportunity to grow their audiences, and to work in a venue that challenges them to think about the relationship between artist and audience. Both our performance spaces are one room spaces- there is no divide between the audience and the artist, which creates an incredible energy in the room, and puts the audience at the heart of the performance.
How was the need for Q originally established? How was it proposed to be met?
After the closure of the Watershed theatre in 1996 there was no industry led and run theatre space in Auckland, which left a considerable gap for both our emerging and established artists. Meeting this need took an unbelievably impressive fifteen year journey of dedication, generosity, fundraising, lobbying and sheer hard work.
How has it evolved since then?
The design and specifications of the venue evolved over the development process, to respond to the growing needs of the sector. However, the central vision of the project remained true to the original vision- a purpose built, mid sized, fully flexible, artist driven space in the heart of Auckland.
What were some of the challenges of the construction – including building alongside the redevelopment of two existing buildings?
Q's architect has created a very functional and robust space, that is also very beautiful. Q retains elements of the original heritage building at 305 Queen Street in our Lounge, Citizen Q and Loft spaces, and there is a dramatic transition into the new space that opens onto Lower Greys Ave. Pip Cheshire, the architect of Q has been incredibly clever to incorporate all the required front of house and back of house spaces into what is a very limited footprint. I love the way that the building is warm, welcoming and open to the public- for example, as you walk past the building from Aotea square, you can see into our scene dock- so the public get glimpses into the inner working life of the building.
What range of people/groups have been involved in creating the theatre?
A huge range of people have been involved in Q from all areas of the performing arts industry. Actors, directors, dancers, writers, set designers, lighting and costume designers, producers, technicians. And beyond the arts - fundraisers, architects, builders, specialists in theatre equipment, lawyers, councillors, publicists, project managers, electricians, accountants, the list goes on and on. So many members of the Auckland community have had a hand in Q, which is why it's a space that's open to and designed for everyone.
How has the performing arts sector been involved with the development of Q?
The performing arts sector has driven the development of Q. The commitment, energy, innovation and spirit of the performing arts community can be seen in touches all around the building- from the wheelchair accessible lighting grid, to the plentiful and decadent toilets, from the comfortable seating to the natural light pouring into our sub stage areas, you can see the input of artists into every part of the building. The design and build process for Q involved extensive consultation with a wide range of practitioners, and I'm so excited by the way that the architects and contractors have responded to the challenges set. The result is a venue that audiences and artists alike can be proud of.
What difference has it made?
It's such early days but already the reaction and welcome from the performing arts industry and beyond has been just phenomenal. We’re already starting to see companies working collaboratively in areas such as shared marketing and promotion. This week is particularly special for us, in having Tawata Productions, Taki Rua Productions and Atamira together in the same venue- which leads to conversations between artists in the bar, and who knows what new works might be dreamt up from those conversations.
Q has been such a long time coming and the sense of relief at its arrival and excitement for the future is palpable. We can only hope that this incredible reaction continues to grow and strengthen as time goes on.
If you pictured Q in five years, what has it delivered?
I hope that in five years time, Q will have (and will continue to be) a vital catalyst for the performing arts in Auckland. I hope to see Q support, challenge and inspire a whole generation of practitioners to reach their potential, and to do so in a space that enables them to reach new and diverse audiences.
What’s your big idea for 2012?
My big idea is for Q to provide a platform for our creative sector to work together in a way that is generous, collaborative and innovative. I want Q to lead a new conversation between artists and audiences, creating opportunities for multi-disciplinary performances and events that fuse a range of performances, across theatre, dance, music, comedy, digital art, poetry and many other forms of performance.
Further information:
As Q’s Executive Producer, James is involved in programming development, fundraising and marketing as well as providing support to our Director.
James is originally from London, where he trained as a theatre director at Rose Bruford College and worked at both the Tate Modern and the Lyric Hammersmith. Since arriving in New Zealand in 2005, he has worked for the Fortune theatre in Dunedin, and as a trainee director for Shortland Street. James was Producer and General Manager of Massive Company for 4 years, during which time he produced The Girls Show, Whero’s New Net and Havoc in the Garden. He is a recent graduate of the Art Venture Programme for Creative Entrepreneurs, and has facilitated workshops for Playmarket and seminars for DANZ as well as tutoring producers for CNZ.
