Over the weekend of 25-26 July, Wellingtonians partied to celebrate the capital’s 150th birthday.

The Wellington Community Trust contributed to the birthday celebrations by supporting Page Turners, a theatrical event held in the foyer of the National Library.

The show, produced and devised by Arcade Live Art Trust, saw famous Wellingtonians  – Te Rauparaha, Robin Hyde, Nancy Wake, James K. Baxter and Carmen Rupe – step from the pages of history.

Left: Robin Hyde, Nancy Wake, Carmen Rupe and James K Baxter take a bow. Right: Jim Moriarty played Te Rauparaha

The 6 performances over 2 days attracted an audience of about 2,000 people.

Each of the characters gave a monologue about their lives and connections to Wellington against a beautiful set that brought the pages of history to life as an over-sized pop-up book. The show was directed by Jane Yonge.

The set for Page Turners was like an oversized pop-up book

Arts and cultural heart

The Wellington Community Trust supported this event with the aim of promoting creative diversity and enhancing the region’s reputation as the arts and cultural heart of New Zealand.

Deputy Mayor, Justin Lester with ‘Carmen Rupe’, ‘James K. Baxter’ and Chief Executive of the Wellington Community Trust, Mark Cassidy.