Why 'Shaky Isles'?
New Zealand is the Shaky Isles. Our young country is still growing geologically. We know it. We feel it. The ground shakes, volcanoes rumble. Our relationship to the land matters. Our playwrights, poets, writers, visual artists and filmmakers know it too. Their stories reflect the dynamic relationship between our peoples and our lively patch of earth, sky and sea
 

Why 'Aotearoa/New Zealand' ?
Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand. It means 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.

The name is increasingly used in New Zealand, both officially and unofficially, to reflect the country's commitment to a shared, bicultural partnership between the indigenous Maori people and the descendants of British immigrants who colonized the country in the 19th century. People use Aotearoa/New Zealand to describe our shared heritages in our shared official languages of Maori and English.

New Zealand is still developing a unique culture, a blend of Pakeha, Maori, Pacific Island and the cultures of other immigrants from all around the world. It is both bicultural and multicultural. This shared but still evolving culture is reflected in our arts. Our stories, struggles and debates resonate with London audiences today.

"We're a culturally distinct, vibrant but young theatre culture with lots of stories to tell and forms to explore"

Mark Amery - Director of Playmarket, New Zealand