Playwright exploring Aotearoa histories and identity
Russell Armitage
Russell Armitage is a Hamilton-based playwright whose works draw on Aotearoa New Zealand history and lived testimony. His play A Wellspring of Tears engages with the origins of the Kīngitanga movement and Waikato history, developed with guidance from Māori leaders and Dr Tom Roa (University of Waikato). It has been accepted as a resource for the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.
The Plays
Original scripts, some for small to medium casts, flexible staging, and clear performance notes. Russell’s plays balance historical detail with contemporary resonance, making them ideal for classrooms, community theatres, and festivals. New work is in development alongside remounts of audience favourites.
A Czech gambit
Český gambit
Tracing the early life of Lubomir Kavalek in Communist ruled Czechoslovakia before he fled in 1968 and achieved fame as a chess Grandmaster. Although set in the 1950s and 60s it has many resonances for today.
A Pig Full of Surprises & Accord on the Kaipara
Te Tonu i Runga i Te Kaipara
From archives to theatre. Russell Armitage turns Albertland’s past into vivid drama with two new plays inspired by real people from the 1860s. Discover the scripts and see how you can support the project.
A Wellspring of Tears
He Puna Roimata
A play dedicated to: Wiremu Tāmihana, Tarapīpipi Te Waharoa. Set in New Zealand-Waikato and Auckland, 1857-1862.
in theatres
Recent and upcoming stagings, readings, and festival appearances.
R.U.R – Rossum’s Universal Robots – The play that introduced the word ‘Robot’ to the world [in 1920], R.U.R revolutionised the science fiction genre, displacing older words such as ‘automaton’ or ‘android’. Produced by Russell Armitage. Read more.
One Hill of a Fight – Bound to be an instant classic, this fast-paced piece examines the great political battle in the 1930s – between the Hamilton borough engineer Rupert Worley, HCC and ratepayers- over removing the hill that once covered Garden Place. Produced by: Russell Armitage
Read more
A Czech Gambit , Prague
https://nz.patronbase.com/_TheMeteor/Productions/ACG/Performances
The backstory of A Czech Gambit
…A few years later, an invitation from Prague created a new connection. Russell met Petr Boleslav, the director of the Prague International Chess Festival, and a simple suggestion followed, write a play with a chess heartbeat. The idea needed a life to carry it, and that life was Lubomír Kavalek.
quick explainer
Licensing & Permissions
Staging is straightforward: tell us your dates/venue, audience size, and whether you need a recording/streaming add-on. School/community productions are welcomed; minor trims can be approved on request.
Do we need a permission?
Yes, permission is required so we can confirm dates, venues, credits, and any script conditions.
Are there any costs if tickets are $0?
Usually no licence fee, but you’ll cover your own production costs (venue, rights notices in programmes, any optional printed scripts). Some shows may require a refundable materials bond.
Can we record or livestream a free performance?
Recording/streaming isn’t covered by a free licence. Ask for a recording add-on if you need archival or livestream rights.
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