Matthew Kereama of Ngãti Manomano, is this years Friedlander Resident artist for New Zealand Opera. Matthew is a rising star in the theatre world of Tāmaki Makaurau and over the past decade has worked in professional theatres nationally, as both a performer and stage director and over this time he has written and produced four theatre productions.
Matthew developed a passion for opera and in 2020 completed a BMUS with HONS majoring in Classical Performance at the University of Auckland, where his dissertation focused on the dialogue of opera directors. Matthew has worked as a teacher and tutor for tertiary institutions such as the University of Auckland and YOOBEE South Seas for the past three years. Matthew is also a co-leader for the ATC Youth Company.
Since completing his degree Matthew has worked closely with internationally renowned directors from NZ Opera, Wellington Opera, Auckland Theatre Company and Te Rehia Theatre Company in Assistant Director roles. Matthew has been in a range of projects with NZ Opera, from being a writer for the 6:24 Voices of Aotearoa, to more recently being a member of the ensemble for The Unruly Tourists. Notably, Matthew was assistant and resident director for Auckland Theatre Company’s North by Northwest. During this production he worked closely with director Simon Phillips. Recently, he was assistant director for New Zealand Opera’s touring production of Così fan tutte, directed by Lindy Hume.