Aperture –

The Life & Work Of Ans Westra

Written, directed & performed by Martine Baanvinger
Supporting visuals by Klaasz Breukel
Music & soundscape by Mark Manson

Golden Bay based actor and director Martine Baanvinger, who wrote and starred in the award-winning play Solitude, collaborates with composer Mark Manson and visual artist Klaasz Breukel in this captivating and intimate one-woman play about Ans Westra, a NZ Arts Foundation Icon photographer. 

In 1957, Ans Westra emigrated from the Netherlands to New Zealand and began to take photos of her new homeland. Fascinated by Maori culture in particular, she created an intimate and uniquely historical documentation of Maori life which led to a successful career capturing the essence of the people of Aotearoa.

DramaLAB’s creative portrait focuses on the start of Westra’s career in the 1960’s when her first publications, including the controversial publication ‘Washday at the pa’, offered insight into the Maori way of life at a time of urbanisation.

 ‘Aperture’ at Nelson Arts Festival 2019:

“Not only do Westra’s rich photos and the era they evoke linger long after the play finishes, viewers also find themselves dissecting and marvelling at the clever way writer and actor Martine Baanvinger​ brings Westra’s story to life……she (Baanvinger) is a master at creating rich worlds on stage with minimalist props. This is a play that deserves a wide audience. In the play, Westra says her photos are “her gift to humanity”. Baanvinger’s treatment of Westra’s story is also a gift.” –Sally Kidson – Nelson Mail

“Baanvinger beautifully captures the era, the struggles, the insights and the awakening of self. A skillful storyteller.” – M. Giroux

For bookings contact info@dramalab.co.nz  or phone +64 226523078

Reviews & Interviews

Nelson Mail Review, premier Nelson Arts Festival

Radio NZ: Lynn Freeman – Standing Room Only