Waiting

'Waiting' is an evocative coming-of-age story that celebrates beat poetry delivered through physical grace. Written and performed by Shadon Meredith, it is a love letter written to his son, taking the audience through a journey of his life and breaking down the human condition of waiting. Growing up in New Zealand as a Sāmoan New Zealander, the insights are both personal and reflective of cultural challenges faced by those who are navigating identity as a minority race in Aotearoa New Zealand. WINNER of Best of the Fringe, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Design and Best Solo Show (Nelson Fringe Festival 2017); Best of Whangārei Fringe (Whangārei Fringe Festival 2020); Best Theatre and PANNZ Auckland Festival Fringe Winner 2021 (Auckland Fringe Festival 2021). "'Waiting' ends with Shadon speaking the single word “breathe”, and then the lights dim and I feel like I really do need to take a breath, to feel and experience everything that I’ve just seen. I feel a sense of bewilderment that I’ve been on a journey, a journey spanning Shadon’s life. The performance is polished, from the use of lighting to communicate context and the range of colours to convey emotion, to the bare but symbolic setting. This demonstrates the care with which Amelia Reid-Meredith has directed 'Waiting'. Shadon, in my opinion, is an undeniable acting talent. Taika Waititi – if you are reading this, Shadon needs a big film role!" Ataria Sharman, The Pantograph Punch, Whangārei Fringe Festival 2020.