40 New Zealand Scenes for Youth

Coca-cops are marching on the resistance. Rūaumoko is stretching out, destroying cities. Qiu Ju must choose—love or family?

40 New Zealand Scenes for Youth is a comprehensive and contemporary toolkit for young performers. These scenes explore a broad range of genres and voices. The book is a showcase of deeply relatable narratives about community and connection.

Many of the scenes are from plays that have shaped theatre history in Aotearoa, such as The Pōhutukawa Tree by Bruce Mason, Makerita Urale’s Frangipani Perfume and Briar Grace-Smith’s Purapurawhetū.

Alongside these classics are scenes drawn from the best new writing for the stage. These include Katie Wolfe’s The Haka Party Incident, Inky Pinky Ponky by Leki Jackson-Bourke and Amanaki Prescott-Faletau, and Riding in Cars with (Mostly Straight) Boys by Sam Brooks.

Comprising a mix of established and emerging New Zealand playwrights, this collection is an invaluable tool for drama students, teachers and actors preparing for performance. It’s the perfect companion piece to 101 New Zealand Monologues for Youth.