BONES is a one-man play by Julian Noel. At some point, someone in the family has to tell the truth. Proudly presented by Te Atamira with the generous support of Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS), this show starts at 4pm and has a runtime of 90 minutes.

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"A masterclass in storytelling." Jackson Rosie

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Raw. Funny. Confronting. Human.

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Fresh from an award-winning season

• 10 award nominations at the Dunedin Fringe Festival and Nelson Fringe Festival , including Best Show
• Nominated for: Best Play, Best Actor, Best Script, Best Director
• Winner: Most Promising Māori Performer
• Winner: Best Script
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One show only.

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“Powerful, raw and deeply moving with moments of humour and relief.” Robynne Jephson

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Featuring live music, this performance includes live taonga pūoro by Pania Witoko. Sound, breath, and memory moving alongside the story.

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What this is

BONES is a one-man play drawn from real stories — the kind most families never speak aloud.

On a bare stage, Julian Noel shifts between characters, memories, and moments that shaped a life. An old woman. A pastor. A child. A boy trying to make sense of it all. And then, finally, himself.

There’s nowhere to hide.

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A note on content:

This work touches on family violence, sexual trauma, and inherited pain. It is told with care, and held with respect. What you’ll experience:

• Stories of family, identity, and inheritance
• Live taonga pūoro woven through the performance
• Moments of humour that catch you off guard
• Deeply human truths, told without flinching
• A space that feels intimate, held, and real
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Why people stay

“Our stories are the houses we live in… but every house has a front door.”

This isn’t about sitting in the darkness. It’s about recognising it… and stepping beyond it.

Audiences stay. They talk. They connect.

“Wow… that’s my family story.” People say it quietly. Across cultures. Across generations.

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There are things in this show people would rather I didn’t say out loud. Which is probably why I’m saying them.

“Everybody in New Zealand should see this show.” Producer, Dunedin Fringe Festival

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Register now. Seats are limited.

This is an intimate room.

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Event Details

• Location: Te Atamira, Tāhuna Queenstown
• Time: 4pm start
• Duration: Approx. 90 minutes + optional post-show gathering

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The experience (after the show)

Stay for scones. Stay for conversation. Stay if you want to.

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Created by

• Julian Noel — writer & performer
• Martine Baanvinger — co-creator, director
• Pania Witoko — taonga pūoro
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Proudly presented by Te Atamira with the generous support of Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS).