Mells, Ken
Production date
11 Apr 1993
Description
Oral History. Ken talks of when, as apprenticed electrician with New Plymouth City Council he became involved with the Festival of the Pines, involved with lighting used at the Bowl of Brooklands and mentions the visit of the Seekers. Ken tells of the Repertory having just bought the Watson Street house and they were adapting it for theatre, when he started and how he helped with the wiring.
Ken tells of first becoming involved with the Little Theatre with play Five Finger Exercise. He speaks of his involvement in committee and back stage work for the Little Theatre and productions topics raised are: the extensions to the Little Theatre, Theatre restaurant, various lighting effects and set design. He also describes back stage work, lighting, mixing paints, set building and the technical challenges of theatre (Murder in the Cathedral). He was involved during the 1960's and 1970's.
In 1980 he went to Auckland, working in His Majesty's Theatre and also as stage manager at the Mercury Theatre. He speaks of getting involved with the jazz scene and with organising jazz festivals.
People mentioned include: Cecily Greatbatch; Evie Atkinson; Cydie Strang; Ted Collie; Brian Hannam; Brian Smith; Ali Girling Butcher. Lester Earl, Lance Girling Butcher, Kevin Mulraney, Johnny Owen, Ian Buchanan., Yvonne Saunders.
Plays mentioned include: The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Salad Days and West Side Story include Westside Story, The Nuns, Kennedy's Children, The Fire Raisers.
Recorded: 11 April 1993
Interviewer: Mary Donald
Abstraction: Mary Whiting/ Mary Donald
Access: No restriction
Object detail
Part 1
1 Audio Tape
Part 2
Abstract. Includes folder of copies of newspaper clippings and memorabilia.
Part 3
Master Tape
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