Conversations With Wāhine

Harita interviews Kristin Paulse.
Kristin Paulse is a South African–born, Auckland–raised performer now based in Melbourne. She  is deeply grateful and incredibly proud to be returning home to join the New Zealand company of  &Juliet. After spending the past three years working and touring extensively across Australia, this homecoming holds special significance as she steps onto New Zealand stages once again,  surrounded by the community that first nurtured her love of performance. 
Australian theatre credits include Hairspray (Dynamite), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (cover Tina  Turner and ensemble), and most recently Mimi Marquez in RENT at the Sydney Opera House — a  career highlight and her first lead role in Australia. 
In New Zealand, Kristin appeared as Gloria in Madagascar the Musical and Chiffon in Little Shop  of Horrors at The Court Theatre. She also toured nationally as Tina Turner in Showtime Australia’s  Simply The Best – The Tina Turner Tribute Show, performing in theatres across the country.  Alongside her theatre work, she has been a regular performer at live music events around Tāmaki  Makaurau.  
Kristin is especially humbled to be part of bringing &Juliet to Aotearoa and to share the stage with  such extraordinary Kiwi talent. Leading this production on home soil is a true full-circle moment,  and she feels immense gratitude for the audiences, mentors and supporters who have shaped her  journey from Auckland to Australia and back again. 
Beyond musical theatre, Kristin is a singer-songwriter who releases original music under the name  KRISTN, with her work available on all major streaming platforms. She dedicates this season to  her family and the community who have always championed her dreams. 
Kristin is currently starring in the Explora Journeys season of & JULIET, as Juliet herself. The musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told - Romeo and Juliet. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? The all-kiwi cast is coming to the St James Theatre this May.

"Wellington's best kept secret" Joana Joy has rapidly established herself as a formidable presence as a comedian and MC in Antipodean comedy. With a background as a professional dancer and cabaret performer, she brings physical comedy, easy charm and witty authenticity to every room. With over 12 years industry experience, JJ has performed at large scale events such as WOMAD (NZ), Twisted Frequency Festival, Woodford Folk Festival (AU), Melbourne International Comedy Festival and on lineups alongside Ben Hurley, Joe Daymond, Justine Smith, Angella Dravid, David Correos. 

Mo (Mamaeroa) Munn is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, improviser and writer based in Wellington, New Zealand.
A regular on the professional stand-up circuit in Pōneke, Mo has taken shows to the NZ International Comedy Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, NZ Improv Festival and Chicago iO Festival.  She also performs in, produces and directs improvised, experimental and sketch comedy shows – and has experience MCing comedy shows and other gigs.

Harita interviews Imogen Stone.
Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, New Zealand, Imogen Stone is a multi-disciplinary performing artist, aerialist, creator, director & producer. Over the past 13 years her career has taken her all over the world, performing within some of the largest Arts Festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury Festival. 
Closer to home, her broad skillset has seen her work with the likes of Wētā Workshop and World of Wearable Art as an aerialist, acrobat, puppeteer and movement collaborator.

Auckland Live is proud to present the Auckland premiere of Everybody Knows, the new show from award-winning circus comedy trio Laser Kiwi, developed in partnership with Hannah Playhouse in Wellington. Part of the 2026 New Zealand International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, the season plays in Wellington 5 – 16 May at the Hannah Playhouse and Auckland from 19 – 23 May at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.

Eleonora interviews Rachel Macindoe Baker.
Rachel is the creator of Chrysalis, is an artist and animator based in Wellington. She studied Media Design at Victoria University of Wellington, where she loved experimenting with mixed media in her projects and finding new ways to tell stories visually. Rachel started her career in 2021 as an animator at Wētā FX. While her professional background is rooted in VFX, she retains a lot of passion for the vibrant, hand-crafted nature of 2D animation.

Harita interviews Anji Kreft.
Long time Kiwi, but originally from England, Anji has been performing since she was a kid. As an adult, she’s performed in London's West End, national & international T.V – Director, TV & Radio Presenter, Vocalist, Voice Over Artist, Actress, Comedienne. You may have seen her in Coronation Street back in 2006 or when she was a childrens TV presenter.  She's done THE LOT!

Bats Theatre will host the premiere season of STAUNCH from 30th April to 2nd May. It is a compelling one-woman performance written and performed by Anji.
STAUNCH is an intimate and heartfelt work exploring love, laughter, and discovery. Through personal storytelling, Anji reflects on her relationship with her mother and the powerful truths revealed after her passing. The result is a warm, engaging production that blends humour, reflection, and emotional depth.
Performed in Anji’s signature inclusive and welcoming style, the show breaks the fourth wall and invites audiences into a shared theatrical experience, with optional participation.