Three Forty One

Received with standing ovations and described as ‘Funny, Insightful and Urgent’ by NZ Herald writer Simon Wilson, the THREE FORTY ONE Creators and Cast, celebrate a successful season one, and begin plans for season two! Scroll down for Audience Comments and Gallery.

Welcome to the resort! On an island like the islands of Tuvalu, a kiwi wedding party arrive for the time of their lives, unaware that life altering realities await them. With a compelling script, a standout cast and songs that range from hilarious to heart breaking, THREE FORTY ONE addresses the climate crisis, considering it through the eyes of those most affected. This show is dedicated to the people of the world’s many coastal regions being increasingly affected by extreme weather and sea level rise. Theirs is a story that needs hearing and responding to, before it’s too late.

A New Zealand original musical

Following the success of The Way of the Raukura, THREE FORTY ONE is another brand new stage musical by Auckland based show writer and former concert pianist, Steve Worsley. Steve’s passion is for stories we should know that connect with crucial topical issues of today. Steve writes, ‘Every day we are confronted with reports of changing weather and concerning future scenarios. What do we make of it all, and how do we respond to claims that poor countries are being disproportionately affected? These are such important questions. Much has been written, but we started to imagine what it would be like if we were to bring these questions to life through music and drama.’

Steve expresses his appreciation for the significant advice and insights from the Auckland and Warkworth Kiribati and Tuvalu communities, and for those who spent countless hours advising on the script, the characters, the songs, and the science. There are 21 songs, scored with guitars, ukeleles, wood percussion, keys, bass, drums and natural sounds.

What People Are Saying

‘Funny, insightful and urgent’ – Simon Wilson, NZ Herald

‘Clever … to include someone on the spectrum as a way of conveying scientific information in a non-didactic way. Often screenplays resort to the use of a scientist or expert to deliver necessary facts and figures, but Evelyn’s role seemed much more natural/plausible and unexpected.’ – Kennedy Warne, RNZ

‘I never thought I would cry, but I did… it resonates with a lot of our people’; ‘I felt like Leilani is me’ – Young Tuvaluan females

‘With a cast made up of 50% Polynesian & Māori and 50% Pakeha, and a narrative that tackles a timeless issue of social injustice head on, ‘Three Forty One’ is Aotearoa’s modern day answer to ‘Hairspray!’ – Rebecca McFadzien (Shortland St Actress & THREE FORTY ONE Cast Member)

‘What a trip. An emotional rollercoaster on so many of the surprising narrative threads. Stunning performances and vocal solos by all. Kassidy Kinvig was outstanding alongside Hāmiora Jackson. Jim Guttenbeil Paea brought the rain – in my eyes. And Jenny Horst gobsmacked the audience. Hard to single some out and not others but everyone was in their parts. Big congrats to Steve Worsley for putting the word out there in such a powerful and entertaining way – ngā mihi nui rangatira kaiako, kia manawanui.‘ – Dr Jay Mātenga (Missions Author, Commentator)

‘Wow – what a show! Clever, moving and powerfully relevant.’ – Piranha Talent Agency

‘Stunning’, ‘Captivating’, ‘Phenomenal’

‘This powerful production, with its standout cast, incredible music, and thought-provoking story, shines a light on the climate crisis through the eyes of those most affected. From moments of laughter to deeply emotional scenes, this show is a must-see!’

‘It was absolutely brilliant. Praying it gets performed all over the country… just the beginning of something far larger than we can imagine I’m sure!’

‘I’ve been thinking about it for days. Wish it could go through schools and Universities as it’s an education on so many levels.’

‘My only regret is that I can’t look up all the songs on YouTube and listen to them on repeat’

Gallery

Envisioning Season Two

Plans are afoot to bring THREE FORTY ONE to a major Auckland Theatre for its second season. On the creative side, we are excited to build on the strengths of this well received show, and make it even better! We also really believe in the kaupapa of this show, and want to share that as far as we can.

Four things are in mind as we envision season two. First, we are on the lookout for some sponsors or funding (scroll to next section for details). This is vital. Second, we want to upload the THREE FORTY ONE soundtrack to Spotify (and similar platforms) so people can come along to season two, already knowing the songs. We got lots of great comments on the songs, so stay tuned – we’ll let you know when they’re ready to access. Third, having videoed season one, we will create video trailers to give an idea of the quality and direction of the show. Fourth, we will need a bigger cast! By the grace of God we got through season one of this show with none of our leads getting sick! Now that the show has been created, we’ll look for a bigger cast, where characters can understudy for eachother if/when needed. This would also enable our season two to be a longer run, so more people can hear and respond to this story.

Help Us Find Sponsors

We think this show is worth financially supporting because of its important message and also because it is a highly acclaimed original NZ theatre production. Funding is so important to us that we have decided not to lock in dates for a season two until we have some certainty on funding. It’s simply too hard to chase sponsors and apply for grants while a show is in production.

Are you, or someone you know, able to help us? Here are four possible ways:

Corporate Sponsor – do you know a business who would consider sponsoring us, either as original NZ theatre, or for our message about sustainability? We can offer a range of possibilities for branded sponsorship.

Underwriter – negotiate an amount with us. An underwriter may for example, opt to cover the venue costs. Those funds would be repaid to the underwriter, if the required ticket sale level is reached.

Grant Application – do you know of a funder we could make a grant application with? (Also, if you happen to be someone who writes grant proposals we’d really love to hear from you!)

Donation – if you would like to make a donation to help bring season two to the stage, our Bank Details are: Toitoi Collective Charitable Trust. TSB Account: 15-3968-0108586-01.

Toitoi Collective is a Charitable Trust. We have an accountant who can help on any finance related questions, and can be in touch with budget and income projections for season two as/when needed.

To contact us, email toitoicollectivetheatre@gmail.com. Thanks so much!