Rita and Douglas

Adapted from the letters of Rita Angus by Dave Armstrong.

Presented by STAMP at THE EDGE and Armstrong Creative.

“A celebratory production“ - NZ Listener

Two of New Zealand’s leading performers, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Houstoun, join forces to portray the words, music and imagery of two of New Zealand’s greatest cultural icons - artist Rita Angus and composer Douglas Lilburn.

The recently divorced painter Rita Angus and young composer Douglas Lilburn met in the early 1940s and had a brief but passionate affair. During this time, living in virtual poverty and struggling with health issues, Rita Angus went on to produce, with Lilburn’s influence, a stunning body of art works that has become revered today.

“Rita and Douglas is a poignant tribute to two of New Zealand's cultural icons” - Otago Daily Times

Jennifer Ward-Lealand’s enthralling stage performance brings the artist to life through the words of her original letters to Lilburn against a backdrop of Angus’ iconic images. With Michael Houston on piano, the evocative soundscape of many of Lilburn’s greatest works merges with the art works to create the perfect backdrop to their love story.

“Houstoun's choice of tempo, cadence and dynamic in all the chosen pieces could not be handled more sensitively in concert with Ward-Lealand's voice.” - Theatreview

Rita and Douglas is a stunning collaboration of theatre, music and art and a celebration of a most unusual love story that ultimately lies at the heart of New Zealand’s cultural history.

Performed in the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber