Christchurch youth create to perform locally and internationally

Experimental Theatre Collective (ETC) is facilitating a dream for 6 young performers (18-20) from Canterbury to create a theatrical piece and perform it locally and then represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the World International Youth Festival in Antwerp in Aug 2026. We have the invite but need the funds to make it happen. Therefore, we are seeking donations for the seeding costs to support this new theatre piece called 'The Ground Remembers Us'.

This work is being created in response to Aotearoa New Zealand’s First World War history within the current backdrop of the weaponisation of countries readying for war. It salutes the past but does not glorify war. Instead, it asks what happens to young people when they are shaped by systems of conflict, and how those experiences continue to speak across generations.

ETC is raising necessary funds in this campaign to help bring this piece to fruition in Christchurch with a focus on space hire, production costs, and providing accessibility for young performers.

Theatre New Zealand is also seeking funding separately to cover international costs: travel, accommodation, transport of costumes and design elements, and safeguarding the well-being of the team.

Any financial help that you can give no matter how small will help us to start this journey.