Sam Brooks puts politics back on the stage

Contemporary politics is a rare subject for New Zealand plays - until now maybe. Auckland playwright Sam Brooks is about to unleash his second political drama in less than a year. A few months ago the searing Burn Her sold out Auckland's Q Theatre. Sam's new work's called Jacinda, set between election night 2017 and when the coalition of Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens unexpectedly took over the reins of power weeks later. But Sam's written Jacinda for the graduates' production of The Actor's Programme, but the play's not about political wrangling, or at least, not directly. Instead it looks at change - both exciting and terrifying. And despite the title, Jacinda is less about politicians and more about how they affect the lives of everyday people. Lynn Freeman talks to Sam Brooks and to cast member Ruby Hansen. Sam says that the change of government and leader saw conflicting emotions throughout the country - from joy and hope to rage and fear. Jacinda premieres on the 14th of November at Auckland's Basement Theatre.