Kia ora koutou and nau mai haere mai to our second instalment of Stage Notes for our imminent 2025 season of The Monster in the Maze.

While we’ve already covered the origins of this work in a fair amount of detail – with the previous instalment of this series discussing Jonathan Dove’s own creation process – we haven’t yet delved too deeply into the specifics of how it’s being made and staged in its first-ever Aotearoa staging.

So as we assemble the sets, light the lights and make our final preparations, we thought now was the perfect time to offer a little extra insight – courtesy of Director Anapela Polata’ivao and Creative Producer Stacey Leilua – into exactly what audiences can expect.

NZ Opera: You’re both experienced theatre practitioners, and you’ve worked together extensively too. Was a collaboration like this always on your radar?

Stacey Leilua: We’ve previously collaborated in 2018 on the opera Alofagia featuring Sol3 Mio, so this project feels like an exciting evolution of that same kaupapa –a larger exploration of connecting the community with professional performers. I genuinely love working with Bels; she always inspires me. Whatever is on her radar usually also ends up being on my radar and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Anapela Polata’ivao: Stace and I are like Tim Tams: always best with strong coffee. We’ve collaborated on theatre productions since 2002 both as actors and directors, so working closely together on anything is always on our radar. When NZ Opera approached me about working on Monster, I just flicked a message to Stace and we went from there. The way we work is the work. And Stacey’s ground-work delivery is unmatched.

With this project you’re working at a national scale and with a total participant pool of more than 400 singers. How have you found this process?

Anapela: It has been no small feat – there was a ton of hard work behind the scenes to recruit individuals to participate in this opera. The wānanga sessions have been rewarding and a lot of fun, and the response from our community is indicative of our whole brilliant team working cohesively to ensure their experience is uplifting and enjoyable.

Stacey: For me, the most rewarding part has been witnessing the incredible range of emotions from our chorus members. Starting with excitement, nervousness, and doubt, many then transform into feelings of joy, pride, and newfound confidence. It’s truly amazing to be able to support them through that journey and watch them thrive. I want to take this moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you from all cities who joined us on this journey – this show wouldn’t be possible without you. Fa’afetai tele lava!

You’re also working with a bunch of other fantastic creatives on this piece – Petmal Petelo, Filament Eleven 11, Brent Stewart and Brad Cohen among them – how has that broader collaborative process been?

Anapela: I believe in the power of collaboration. The creation process centres around how we can best service the story and the world in which it exists. Then we assemble The Avengers and their unique set of skills to interpret, execute and deliver the vision is activated. That’s pretty much how I see these cool humans.

Stacey: With Petmal, and with Rachel and Brad from Filament Eleven 11, we’ve known each other for years and have collaborated many times. There’s a reason for that: they consistently create magic and give it 110%. As for Brent and Brad Cohen, I especially love watching people excel at what they do, which I find even more inspiring when it’s something I have no skill in myself – haha! So it’s been a pleasure to watch them work. And of course, there are always plenty of laughs along the way, because, really, that’s the best way to get any work done!

This is the first time that Aotearoa audiences have had the chance to see this work – what do you hope people will take from The Monster in the Maze?

Stacey: I want audiences to have fun and genuinely enjoy the incredible talent on display in every performance – our outstanding principals, the beautiful choirs, and the fantastic orchestras. I’m so excited to see and hear everything come together. My hope is that people feel a little closer to the world of opera, and perhaps even see a future version of themselves on that stage – that’s the ultimate goal.

Anapela: Firstly, for everyone that was game enough to give something new a go, I hope they hold onto their courage and keep at it – you don’t know until you do. I hope when the “AAHHHH!!” feeling settles, they leave The Monster in the Maze with a sense of empowerment and empathy for each other and our stories. I hope the audience feels the determined and joyful spirit of our communities embarking together on a mission and having fun! Our communities are the centrepiece of this project and I’m really proud of their work and willingness to participate.