Arts on Tour New Zealand (AOTNZ) is bringing a one woman play ‘Hanna’ about family, nature and nurture to Alexandra’s Central Stories next Tuesday (March 14).

The play is performed by Auckland based actress Cassandra Woodhouse, who has been in Shortland Street, The Almighty Johnsons, Filthy Rich and Outrageous Fortune.

Playwright Sam Potter’s play premiered in London in 2018. The Times described it as “gripping… memorable and a moving look at nature and nurture and what family really means”.

Broadway.com said the play was “simple stripped down, raw and emotionally honest storytelling at its best”.

Hanna is directed by experienced actress and director Jennifer Ward-Leland. 

Jennifer’s contribution to New Zealand theatre was recognised in 2007 New Year Honours with her investiture as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to theatre and the community. She was also named as the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2020.

In the play young mum Hanna is confronted with what being a parent really means, and questions are raised about the meaning of family and race in today's society.

AOTNZ organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural

and smaller centres in New Zealand. 

The trust receives funding from Creative New Zealand, Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South, Interislander, Otago Community Trust, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, West Coast Community Trust, Pub Charity and Community Trust Mid and South Canterbury.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from Central Stories. After Alexandra the play goes to Arrowtown’s Athenaeum Hall on March 15.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery on Centennial Ave

For more on AOTNZ see their website.