Tāmaki Makaurau is preparing for an explosion of creativity, culture and world-class entertainment, with Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival unveiling another wave of performances for its 2027 programme, running from March 4 to 21.
The latest announcement brings together internationally acclaimed contemporary dance, powerful Pasifika storytelling, Irish theatre and live music celebrating some of the world’s most influential artists.
Among the highlights are the Aotearoa debut of China’s TAO Dance Theater, the world premiere of Victor Rodger’s The Boy from Vaiala, and musical celebrations honouring Stevie Wonder, Prince, David Bowie and George Michael.
Festival Artistic Director Bernie Haldane says the programme aims to connect Auckland audiences with extraordinary international performances while placing stories from Aotearoa at the centre of the celebration.
Pasifika Storytelling Takes Centre Stage
One of the most anticipated productions is The Boy from Vaiala, a new work by acclaimed playwright and Arts Laureate Victor Rodger.
The production reunites Rodger with celebrated director and newly named Arts Laureate Anapela Polata’ivao ONZM, marking their first collaboration with Auckland Theatre Company in 20 years.
The world premiere will be staged at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, bringing another major Pasifika creative collaboration to Auckland audiences.
Rodger is widely recognised for works including Black Faggot and My Name is Gary Cooper, while Polata’ivao has established herself as one of Aotearoa’s leading theatre practitioners.
The production is a collaboration involving Auckland Theatre Company, FCC, Auckland Arts Festival and Creative New Zealand’s Festival Commissioning & Presentation Fund, managed by PANNZ.
The announcement reinforces the Festival’s commitment to showcasing local creative voices alongside major international productions.
International Dance Arrives in Tāmaki Makaurau
Internationally acclaimed TAO Dance Theater will make its New Zealand debut at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on March 5 and 6.
The company will present two works from its celebrated Numerical Series, 13 and 14.
Founded in 2008 by Tao Ye, Duan Ni and Wang Hao, the Chinese contemporary dance company has performed in more than 40 countries across five continents and appeared at over 100 international arts festivals.
Its distinctive approach strips dance back to movement, the human body and space, creating performances recognised for their precision and originality.
Meanwhile, Irish choreographer and theatre-maker Luke Murphy brings Scorched Earth to the ASB Waterfront Theatre from March 18 to 21.
Inspired by John B. Keane’s The Field, the psychological thriller explores land ownership, conflict, fear and the lengths people will go to protect or claim the land beneath their feet.
Combining theatre, dance and striking visual storytelling, the production features five international performers.
Prince, Bowie and Stevie Wonder Take Over Auckland
Music lovers will also have plenty to celebrate.
The Festival Spiegeltent will host TWENTY SIXTEEN from March 10 to 13, a live music experience revisiting one of the most memorable years in modern music history.
Presented by Amplified House, the show celebrates the legacies of artists including David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Leonard Cohen and Sharon Jones.
The production combines live concert energy with nostalgia, reflecting on the music and performers who helped shape generations.
Closing the Festival’s final weekend, Anthology of Wonder will transform Auckland Town Hall into a celebration of Stevie Wonder’s extraordinary musical catalogue.
Led by acclaimed musician Dixon Nacey, the large ensemble will deliver a big-band performance featuring the funk, soul and grooves that have made Wonder’s music endure for decades.
The Choir of Man Returns with a Pub-Style Spectacle
The latest additions join the previously announced Olivier Award-nominated production The Choir of Man.
The international hit will transform the Festival Spiegeltent into an English pub, complete with an on-stage bar and nine performers combining singing, dancing, tap, slam poetry and audience interaction.
Its musical programme spans rock, pop, folk, Broadway and familiar pub favourites.
The Festival says the production has already attracted strong interest from audiences.
Eighteen Days of Arts and Culture
Running from March 4 to 21, the 2027 Auckland Arts Festival will bring local and international artists to theatres, concert halls and performance spaces throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
The programme continues the Festival’s role as one of Aotearoa’s largest annual celebrations of arts and culture.
Organisers are also introducing limited-time early bird ticket offers and a range of pricing initiatives aimed at making performances accessible to more audiences.
Priority ticket access is available to Festival patrons, friends and previous ticket purchasers, followed by subscriber access on October 21 and general public sales from October 22.
Further programme announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
From powerful Pasifika theatre and contemporary Chinese dance to the timeless music of Stevie Wonder and Prince, the 2027 Festival promises a celebration of the stories, sounds and creative talent connecting Tāmaki Makaurau with the world.
For tickets and further information, visit https://www.aaf.co.nz.
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