Ten Thousand Hours
13 – 15 March 2026The Opera House
Witness a show in honour of the renowned choreographer and dancer, Douglas Wright. The New Zealand Dance Company and Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia will restage his masterpiece, ‘Gloria’. Set to Vivaldi's legendary score, performed live by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Voices New Zealand. A celebration of life, dancers will fly, twist, and turn among the grandeur of the historic St James Theatre.
‘GLORIA — A Triple Bill’ was originally performed at the 1992 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. This contemporary trans-Tasman collaboration honours one of Aotearoa's most prolific dance talents. Having produced more than 30 major touring works in his lifetime and danced across the globe, Douglas Wright was a celebrated performer and creative artist until his death in 2018.
The evening will also feature two new creations. ‘A Moving Portrait’ by Raewyn Hill is an intimate, meditative reflection on ageing and grace. ‘Lament’ by Moss Te Ururangi Patterson will take audiences on a powerful journey through memory and resilience. The performance honours the of contemporary dance in Aotearoa.
‘GLORIA — A Triple Bill’ is exclusive to Wellington. It’s presented as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts 2026.
13 – 15 March 2026The Opera House
24 February – 15 March 2026
25 February – 7 November 2026St James Theatre
24 January – 20 December 2026Circa Theatre
1 – 7 August 2026St James Theatre
A deeper dive into the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts programme reveals more performance treasures.
Tanea Heke has been a driving force in Aotearoa’s creative sector for decades. Her career spans acting, producing, arts management, and education. She shares her picks for the upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.
19 – 22 March 2026Roxy Cinema
24 – 28 March 2026Ōtaki, Kāpiti Coast
27 February – 1 March 2026Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre