Into the labyrinth: opera and community in The Monster in the Maze

Ipu Laga'aia (Theseus)

NZO Community Choirs

Maaka Pohatu (Minos)

By Simon Holden, 21 September 2025

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“demonstrated the ability of contemporary opera to reach beyond its traditional audiences”

Reviewed at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland on 19 September 2025

Dove, The Monster in the Maze

New Zealand Opera

Anapela Polata'ivao, Director

Filament Eleven 11, Set Designer

Auckland Philharmonia

Sarah Castle, Mother

Joel Amosa, Daedalus

Ipu Laga'aia, Theseus

Maaka Pohatu, Minos

Opening the doors of memory: a haunting Bluebeard’s Castle in Auckland

Simon Holden, 13th March

In Daisy Evans’ conception, as Judith briefly reconnects with the joy and tragedy of her past, the effect is nothing short of devastating.

****1

Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

Simon Holden, 29th May

New Zealand Opera's new production impresses with its stunning set design and art direction, and its restrained emotional tone.

***11

Fine singing but messy staging: Le Comte Ory at New Zealand Opera

Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

Blissful Mansfield Park in Auckland

Simon Holden, 21st April

Dove’s masterful adaptation, combined with an ebullient and characterful rendition by New Zealand Opera, make for a very effective and at times, very moving, afternoon at the opera.

*****

Gluck reimagined: (m)Orpheus in Auckland

Simon Holden, 6th September

Gareth Farr re-orchestrates Gluck in Neil Ieremia's imaginative reinterpretation of the Orpheus myth for New Zealand Opera.

****1

A masterful Così fan tutte in Auckland

Simon Holden, 31st May

Lindy Hume directs a refreshingly uncomplicated new staging for New Zealand Opera, supported by fine musical performances.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.