How many festivals have you participated in with TAFT currently?

Quite a number! I joined the group in March 2021 and during this time we have organized the Right Royal Cabaret Festival (2021), Speakeasy (2022), Spiegel Fest (2022), Right Royal Cabaret Festival (2023), Reimagine Festival (2023), Winter Fest (2024). ) and Spiegel Fest (2024). Of course, during this time we also had a lot of disruption due to Covid and we “non-produced” Reset in 2021 and Winter Fest in 2022. It was heartbreaking to cancel festivals, especially after the programs were printed . Completing Winter Fest in June was a special moment because it meant we had hosted all four festivals, since TAFT adopted our new model replacing the biennial festival.

And out of all these festivals and acts, are there one or two acts that are your absolute favorites or stand out to you for a reason – what and why?

One of my personal favorites was Taranaki sings which was part of Spiegel Fest in 2022. This event featured more than 200 singers from local choirs and singing groups and took their songs (which they wrote themselves with Julian Raphael of Community Music Junction) to the streets. It was an incredible project and it created songs that live on long after the festival. Morning people in 2023 also stands out, perhaps due to early departures, when we are normally used to late evenings. I loved bringing this format to Taranaki and seeing the Bowl stage used in such a different way!

Times are tough economically, tell me why a festival ticket is a good expense?

A ticket is an experience. It’s not just about watching a show, it’s a night or day outing, often with friends or whānau, creating memories that last a long time. It is also an experience that cannot be repeated: we may never see this artist again, or the Spiegeltent may not return in the future. We must therefore take advantage of these opportunities.

Ticket prices for the Spiegel festival are not exorbitant – is this deliberate – to keep them affordable?

Costs are increasing and, financially, we are heavily dependent on our box office revenue, but it is important that we keep our prices affordable – we offer free events and a variety of different price points. We know price is a barrier and we work hard to keep our prices low, thanks to the support of our funders, sponsors and patrons.

Do you think there is a special magic in the atmosphere of big top shows compared to a theater?

Absolutely, the tent is an experience in itself. It’s a magical place that lends itself well to the timing of the end-of-year celebrations. Getting the tent and building it here takes a lot of work and money, so it’s important to fill it up. We organize 35 performances there over 11 days – as well as regional and community performances.

If you had to sum up Spiegelfest 2024 in three words, what would they be?

Electrifying, eclectic and fun.

People live in an instant world – we stream things instantly, download them ASAP, etc. – what keeps people coming back to live theater?

I always say the biggest competition is getting people off their couches and away from streaming shows. Festivals continue to bring audiences back by creating a space for belonging and sharing. They create memories, a sense of identity and belonging – making connections with friends, whānau, colleagues, strangers. I love having conversations with people about shows they saw years ago, experiences they had — we just don’t get that magic from streaming.

We personally bid you farewell after this festival, right?

Yes, Spiegel Fest 2024 is my last festival here in Taranaki as I take on a new role as Artistic Director of the Tauranga Arts Festival in December. Being involved with TAFT has been a true privilege – and I’m excited to join a new team, working with a new community to bring arts experiences to the Bay of Plenty in 2025 and beyond. It is also an exciting time for TAFT as it welcomes a new team and a new artistic vision. The festival’s new Artistic Director, Josie Hunter-Annand brings a wealth of experience from her current role as Associate Programmer for WOMAD Aotearoa.

The details:

What: Spiegel Fest 2024

When: November 14 to 24

Details and tickets: spiegelfest.co.nz

WIN: We have a double pass to give away to one lucky winner and a friend to see He’s a rebel – The Up Doos which takes place on the last weekend of the festival. To enter, simply email [email protected] with the word Rebel in the subject line. Include your name and contact phone number in the email. The competition closes on Wednesday November 20 at noon and the winner will be contacted in the afternoon.

Ilona Hanne is a Taranaki-based journalist and news director covering breaking news and community events from across the Lower North Island. She has worked for NZME since 2011.