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March 16, 2026
#Arts: Nightsong brings whānau theatre to life with imaginative new show The Worm
Dale Husband
Posted On March 16, 2026
Download AudioA new family theatre production is set to delight audiences with a mix of imagination, humour and inventive storytelling as Nightsong presents its latest stage show, The Worm.
The production is co-directed by Puka Moeau, a creative force within the award-winning theatre company, which has built a reputation for crafting visually striking productions that appeal to audiences of all ages. Known for blending theatrical craft with a strong sense of play, Nightsong continues that tradition with a show designed specifically with tamariki and their whānau in mind.
The Worm draws on Nightsong’s distinctive style, weaving together physical theatre, puppetry and imaginative stage design to bring the story to life. The production reflects the company’s commitment to creating performances that are accessible to younger audiences while still offering layers of storytelling and creativity that engage adults.
For Moeau and the Nightsong team, the show represents an opportunity to explore storytelling through a whānau-centred lens. The company has long focused on productions that invite families to experience theatre together, creating shared moments of wonder that encourage curiosity, laughter and reflection.
Central to the production is the company’s approach to visual storytelling. Nightsong’s work frequently incorporates movement, puppetry and inventive stagecraft to transform the theatre space into something immersive and unexpected. These elements allow the story to unfold in ways that go beyond dialogue, drawing audiences into the physical and visual world of the performance.
The creative team sees this blend of theatrical techniques as an evolving part of their artistic practice. By combining physical theatre with bold design and imaginative puppetry, the company continues to experiment with new ways of telling stories on stage and expanding what audiences expect from live performance.
The company also places a strong emphasis on inspiring younger audiences. Productions such as The Worm are designed to spark creativity in tamariki, encouraging them to see theatre as a space where imagination can run freely and stories can be brought to life through movement, design and play.
For many young viewers, experiences like these can be their first introduction to live theatre. Nightsong hopes the production will leave tamariki with a sense of excitement about storytelling and the arts, while also creating memorable moments for families experiencing the show together.
Looking ahead, Moeau and the Nightsong team are continuing to explore new creative pathways, including potential collaborations and different forms of theatrical storytelling. As the company develops future projects, their focus remains on pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a deep commitment to engaging audiences through inventive and emotionally resonant performances.
With its mix of humour, creativity and visual spectacle, The Worm is expected to be another example of Nightsong’s ability to bring imaginative theatre to life for audiences of all ages.
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