2020 New Zealand Festival of the Arts

For three weeks, 21 February – 15 March, the biennial New Zealand Festival of the Arts enlivens the creative capital with astonishing artworks of honesty, bravery, beauty and splendour. Experience theatre, dance, music, literature and visual arts throughout the city and region from some of the world’s leading artists.

The Festival continues 30+ years of bold innovation, this year with three guest curators: renowned director, choreographer and artist Lemi Ponifasio; musician and avant-garde icon Laurie Anderson; and comedian and musician Bret McKenzie, each contributing signature selections to the overall Festival programme. Also new for 2020, the ever popular Writer’s programme has been expanded to cover the entire three week duration of the Festival.

2020 New Zealand Festival of the Arts highlights include the return of Michael Keegan-Dolan and his dance company Teaċ Daṁsa with MÁM; our symphonic and ceremonial opening event Chosen and Beloved; Släpstick, an astonishing musical comedy; Dimanche a touching look at the end of the world; and a new immersive rom-com wedding with black ties.

Experience vocal excellence with the Netherlands Chamber Choir (Programme 1 and Programme 2) and witness the diversity of choreography in Trois Grandes Fugues by Lyon Opera Ballet. Our Guest curators also premiere exclusive works to the Festival with Laurie Anderson's concert Here Comes the Ocean, a new musical in development with the National Theatre: The Brief and Freighting Reign of Phil with songs and lyrics by Bret McKenzie and an unforgettable new work by visionary artist Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU in Jerusalem.

The 2020 New Zealand Festival of the Arts: 3 Guest Curators, 100+ Arts Experiences, 1000s of Conversations Sparked.