Catalyst Theatre Company ….

 … was formed in 2007 by Sam Berkley, Kura Forrester, Ora Simpson, Ben Van Lier and Jonathan Hodge who all studied together at UNITEC school of Performing and screen arts under Murray Hutchinson.

The company started as a small group looking for a play to produce that would allow us to work creatively and show ourselves off in the industry. However after reading many plays together a theme emerged. The style of direct and truthful contemporary theatre we were interested in producing was almost all written overseas. While we connected with much of it we wanted something that spoke more closely for us.

Thus Catalyst was born. A company that aims to create new work that is tangible and theatrical. Work that is more than the television, advertising and text message world that surrounds us. That is about real relationships and experiences and that speaks to a generation of new theatre goers who are looking for something real.

Catalyst is run by its founders who are all passionate about theatre and its future in New Zealand. All are very active in the Auckland scene. We have also sought and received support and advice from senior professionals.

While this is the first production Catalyst is a long term project and in the future intends to draw upon professionals in related fields. The aim is to have professional designers, actors, directors, producers and technicians all working in their fields to create the best new work that New Zealand has to offer!

Jonathan is South Island born and bred. He grew up in Motueka and then lived in Christchurch for eight years before moving to Auckland five years ago. Jonathan spends his spare time sitting on a piece of fibreglass trying not to drown as he waits for the perfect wave.

Jonathan graduated from Unitec acting Program in 2005. He was privileged to be one of the actor’s chosen to work for The Silo in the Ensemble Project. He appeared in both Tis Pity She’s a Whore and Based on Auckland. He has also worked for ATC on Duchess of Malfi, appeared in both seasons of Playright for Smack Bang Theatre, performed in Black Ice for Pandemonium Theatre and worked for Playmarket and the Unitec writing and directing program in development workshops and performances. Jonathan is represented by Auckland Actors and is a proud member of Actors Equity New Zealand.

Sam was born and raised in Auckland. While he now lives centrally, Sam grew up out west. Sam can be found spending his rent on Drum and Bass vinyl at Real Groovy and Smashing it up on the dance floor.

Ben grew up in the Waitakere Ranges and has spent his entire life in West Auckland (apart from a blundering mistake of a year when he lived in Newmarket). He believes “art, whether it be film, theatre, music, painting, sculpture, whatever, has the power to change perceptions, values and, most importantly, people and therefore the world. In my life as an artist all I can hope for is to change, inspire, entertain, move and perplex... hopefully all at once.”

Ora was born in Christchurch Women’s Hospital but spent his schooling years in Dunedin. He moved to Auckland five years ago to study. Most likely to be found caressing his guitar in a dark room. Ora is also a qualified audio engineer and works laying sound effects, music, atmosphere and recording foley for the cult New Zealand drama series, Shortland Street.

Kura was born and raised in Wellington. She moved to Auckland five years ago to study. In between all the other running around her busy life entails Kura is usually found doing more running around with a touch ball and leaving the guys in the dust.