Creative Capital Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi

Billy T nominated comedian, actor, and host of a new show, 2 Cents 2 Much

This episode, Elyssia speaks to the new Executive Director and Creative Director of Auckland Pride - Julia Croft and Nathan Joe. 
 
Julia Croft is the newly appointed Executive Director of Auckland Pride. She is a practising performance artist whose extensive arts career has given her experience producing, working with funding bodies, and an exceptional reputation for supporting the growth of young artists. Croft’s performance works have toured Aotearoa as well as Australia, the UK, Singapore and Canada. She has worked extensively as a dramaturge, director and teaching artist across New Zealand, Australia and the UK. 
 
Nathan Joe is the Creative Director of Auckland Pride. He is an award-winning playwright and performance poet. His many accolades include the prestigious 2022 Grimshaw Sargeson Literary Fellowship and 2021 Bruce Mason Playwriting Award, 2020 National Poetry Slam Champion and two Playmarket b425 awards. Last year, his play Scenes from a Yellow Peril had its world premiere as part of Auckland Theatre Company’s 2022 programme. Upcoming projects include his play, Losing Face, which is premiering as part of Q Theatre’s 2023 Matchbox from August 9 - 19; and the latest instalment of DIRTY PASSPORTS, a BIPOC spoken word lineup he curates, making its Christchurch premiere as part of WORD Christchurch on August 24. 

This episode features Zoe Black and Jade Townsend. Zoe Black (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Pākehā) is the deputy director of Objectspace in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been working in galleries for the past ten years. Her curatorial practice has focused on community development and advocating for critically under-represented craft and object art forms. Jade Townsend (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) is a visual artist and storyteller working at the intersection of her Māori, Pākehā and British heritage. She runs Season Gallery in Tamaki Makaurau with Francis McWhannell. The gallery places a strong emphasis on curated exhibitions and public engagement.

This episode features Brady Peeti. Brady (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a pioneering, award-winning performer, who has broken down stereotypes after her recognition as the first Australasian trans actress to play a leading female role.  
 
A graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (receiving a Bachelor of Performing Arts), Brady's theatre credits include Fever: Return of the Ula (Fine Fatale); Black Ties (Te Rēhia Theatre Company and Ilbijerri Theatre Company); Astroman (Auckland Theatre Company); The Wizard of Ōtāhuhu (Mangere Arts Centre); and Larger Than Life (Te Rēhia Theatre Company.) 
In addition to local exposure, Brady spent a month portraying (and receiving rave reviews) prostitute Lucy Harris in the 1990 musical adaption of Jekyll & Hyde which had its run at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. The role has traditionally been performed by cisgender actresses. 
In 2019, Brady was recognised by her peers in winning the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Auckland Theatre Awards, something she dedicated to the encouragement and mentorship she receives as a member of the Kaupapa Māori troupe from indigenous performing arts theatre Te Pou.

Chelsea Winstanley and Courtney Mayhew are the founders of Ahi Films, a new independent film distribution collective.

Pere is a musician, composer, voice actor, choreographer, and kapa haka performer