I got a peek preview last Saturday at the rehearsal of CHONA, The Complete History of Nelson (Abridged). This humorous, action packed, 80-minute show on at Founders Heritage Park from 1 to 10 December is a ripper and a must see.
The show kicks off the 150th celebrations of our Nelson City Council. We have commissioned a history of the past 50 years to complement earlier publications that cover 1874-1924 and 1924-1974. This work is being overseen by Councillor Mel Courtney who, in his remarkable service to our community, was a Councillor 50 years ago when Council celebrated its centenary.
The book will be a more accurate and studious look at our past than CHONA. It is delightfully funny with perverse scenes that blur New Zealand’s very first game of rugby at the Botanic Gardens with our most famous Nelsonian, Ernest Rutherford’s splitting of the atom.
CHONA is being directed by Nelsonian actor Mark Hadlow who played Dori in The Hobbit and was the lead role in MAMIL – Middle-Aged Man In Lycra. CHONA is the second production by The Professional Theatre Company, which was launched earlier this year. I am so keen for this new theatre company to succeed as it supports Nelson’s role as a centre for the arts. Few theatre companies exist outside New Zealand’s main cities.
The show is written by New Zealand’s most talented playwright, Greg Cooper. He wrote The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) in 2006 that was equally cheeky, light-hearted and affectionate. I loved it, too, but this year’s Nelson edition is even funnier. Greg Cooper is joined on stage by Donna Botha and Doug Brooks. All three give brilliant performances but it is the chemistry between them that makes this show zing.
Nelson is a truly unique city with our own history and identity. We want to use the 150th commemorations of our Council as an opportunity to reflect on our past as we look to the future. CHONA helps us celebrate who we are and laugh at ourselves. You will regret it if you don’t go.
Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal or online here.
