Double Portrait - Finding Frances Hodgkins

A stash of Frances Hodgkins paintings has been discovered in France .

Part of a deceased estate, they land on the doorstep of a Parisian gallery owner who has never heard of Frances Hodgkins. He contacts Auckland Art Gallery and there is a flurry of activity as a female curator tries to prise them out of the hands of the Frenchman and back to New Zealand .

Based upon a real life incident, this is the opening scene of Jan Bolwell's new play - Double Portrait Finding Frances Hodgkins.

Interest in the life and art of Frances Hodgkins has grown through the years. The celebrated New Zealand artist spent most of her adult life in Europe with brief forays back to New Zealand to promote her work and to see her family.

Largely ignored in her own country, Frances gained a firm place in the artistic world of the first part of the twentieth century, both in Paris and London .

Her private life remained an enigma and in Double Portrait, playwright Jan Bolwell seeks to unravel some of the mystery. Hodgkins' life was filled with eccentricity, hardship, fun and love. She travelled extensively from Morocco to Paris to Cornwall; from Melbourne and Sydney to Dunedin and Wellington .

Bolwell's play explores the relationships she had with friends, agents and family. The play is shot through with humour and pathos, speculation and information.

Director Ralph McAllister has gathered a strong cast, all from Paekakariki. Writer Bolwell will play Frances and Perry Piercy and John Wraight, both experienced professional actors, will play a number of key roles.

Costumes have been designed by well known Paekakariki resident Rozel Pharazyn.

Event listed by Expressions Arts & Entertainment Centre

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