The Auckland Arts Festival is set to return in 2021 for nearly three weeks of performances, concerts, and exhibitions.
From March 4 to 21, people can visit over 70 events at theatres, galleries, and indoor and outdoor ventures across the city to celebrate the talents of the country's artists.
The yearly program featuring Aotearoa's art was cut short this year due to COVID-19, but a plethora of talent is set to return for next year's festival. The breadth of performances includes music concerts, poetry readings, theatre and dance performances, and art exhibitions.
Below is a selection of what the festival offers.
Wāhine Toikupu
Selected pieces from The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou have been translated into te reo Māori for audiences, set to be performed in time for International Women's Month.
Co-hosted by Pānia Papa and Miriama Kamo and featuring wāhine graduates from Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo Institute of Māori Language Excellence, it is set to be a morning of passionate and emotional poetry.
Che-Fu & The Kratez: Return of the Navigator
Twenty years after Che-Fu released his seminal album Navigator, audiences can celebrate the anniversary with him and his band, the Kratez, in a festival exclusive.
His singles 'Misty Frequencies' and 'Fade Away' from this album are among his most popular songs.
Opening his celebratory concert is Team Dynamite and Rubi Du, with DJ Manuel Bundy on the decks throughout the night.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert
In a combined film screening and concert, director Steven Spielberg's movie ET The Extra-Terrestrial will come to life for audiences.
Families can enjoy watching the 1982 classic while the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra plays the movie's score in sync with the film.
This live cinema and concert combination for E.T. is a New Zealand first.
Jack and the Beanstalk
The classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale receives a Kiwi twist this festival, featuring a giant ant, a crazy chase, the Sky Tower, an alien invasion, and a lovesick villain.
A performance for the whole family, the all-singing and all-dancing show is set to delight audiences of all ages.
The Tom Sainsbury Love Hour
Comedian and Snapchat satirist Tom Sainsbury is set to get to the heart of Kiwis' love lives with his Love Hour show.
From first crushes and failed romances, to date nights and seductions, Sainsbury and his line up of Kiwi personalities hope to get audiences to laugh and learn about the mysteries of love.
His special guests include Chlöe Swarbrick and Hilary Barry.
Heavenly Bodies
If you're after a strictly adults-only show, the dazzling cabaret of Heavenly Bodies may be for you.
New Zealand's top circus acts, urban acrobats, and performers will fly in the face of gravity in a performance that features the country's own internationally acclaimed artists.
A full list of what's on show at the festival can be viewed on the official website.
