Things That Matter

by Gary Henderson, adapted from the memoir by Dr David Galler

17 AUG - 29 AUG 2021 — Theatre

About.

Company

Auckland Theatre Company

Duration

2 hours, no interval

Advisory

Please note this production discusses topics related to and displays images from the Holocaust.

On behalf of the performers, crew, and staff of Auckland Theatre Company we are disappointed to advise that due to Auckland moving into COVID-19 Alert Level 4 as of midnight 17 August, performances of Things That Matter tonight through to 24 August have been cancelled.

If you have tickets to an affected performance, we will send the ticket purchaser an email advising of ticketing options.

At this moment you do not need to do anything. As you can imagine, our Box Office at ASB Waterfront Theatre is fielding a large number of requests and we greatly appreciate your patience.

You can refer to our COVID-19 refund & exchange policy if you would like to read about our ticketing policy prior to receiving an email with your options.

A stirring portrayal of the state of Aotearoa's healthcare.

At a time when matters of life and death consume the headlines and our thoughts, Auckland Theatre Company is proud to present the illuminating, Things That Matter.

What does a healthy New Zealand look like? While working on the frontlines at Middlemore Hospital, Dr David Galler asked this in his best-selling memoir, Things That Matter: Stories of life & death.

Adapted for the stage, award-winning playwright Gary Henderson masterfully weaves Galler’s compassionate insight on the real and important stories of patients and the stark realities of the New Zealand healthcare system with stories of his life, and that of his Jewish Polish immigrant parents. 

Inspirational and life-affirming, Things That Matter shines a light on the importance of humanity and the challenging decisions that doctors, families and society face. 

Things That Matter was commissioned and developed by ATC

Book
Tickets.

Show Programme

Special Events

Backstage Story

Monday, 2 August, 6:30pm. FREE EVENT. Auckland Theatre Company Studios, 487 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden, Carpark & entry off Brixton Road. Discover the world behind the curtain, find out what takes place in the rehearsal room at these behind-the-scenes talks with the director, designers, and cast of each show.

EAT/TALK/PLAY

Sunday, 22 August, 2:45pm. SOLD OUT. Raise your theatre experience to the next level by attending this informative pre-show event. Listen to a special guest speaker discuss a deeper aspect of the play while enjoying a glass of wine and afternoon tea in the picturesque Villa Maria Gallery at ASB Waterfront Theatre. You'll also need to purchase a ticket to the show if you wish to attend the performance after the event. These events sell out quickly so booking is essential.

Read the book before you see the play!

The book Things That Matter by Dr David Galler is available to purchase from the box office.

Buy the book

Accessible Performances

All mainstage shows in the Auckland Theatre Company 2021 season have an NZSL Interpreted and an Audio Described performance, which give Deaf and hard-of-hearing, and blind and low-vision patrons the opportunity to enjoy the shows. Audio Described and NZSL Interpreted performances are open to all as they do not change how shows are presented. 

How to Book

All tickets to accessible performances are $20 each for Deaf, hard-of-hearing and blind/low-vison customers. One companion ticket per Deaf, hard-of-hearing and blind/low-vison theatregoer is also available for $20. 
 
Please contact the box office on (09) 309 3395 or email [email protected] to book Audio-Described or NZSL-Interpreted performances, touch tours, wheelchair-accessible seats, or if you have any special requirements.

Audio Described & Touch Tour

Sunday 29 August. Touch Tour 2.30pm. Audio Described performance 4.00pm. Audio Described performances provide a live audio commentary by passionate professionals from Audio Described Aotearoa Ltd as they describe the actions onstage. This commentary is relayed to blind and low-vision patrons via an earpiece which can be booked in advanced and picked up from the theatre box office. Touch Tours are held one and a half hours before the show. Patrons can walk through the set, touch props, feel costumes and familiarise themselves with visual and sensory materials in the performance.

NZSL Interpreted

Saturday 28 August 2.00pm. As part of NZSL Interpreted performances, a trained interpreter from Platform Interpreting signs dialogue from the actors on stage to Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons in the audience. The interpreter works closely with the show’s script, cast and director to match the lines and action onstage as well as the tone, attitude and body language of the actors. Special seats are reserved for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons, so they have a clear view of the interpreter signing towards them.