Rita and Douglas.

Rita and Douglas combines letters that painter Rita Angus wrote to composer Douglas Lilburn, piano works by Lilburn and over 100 images of Rita’s work to tell the poignant story of their loving relationship.

Rita and Douglas is a brilliant glimpse into the intimate but somewhat tumultuous relationship between Rita Angus and Douglas Lilburn…Michael Houstoun's choice of tempo, cadence and dynamic in all the chosen pieces could not be handled more sensitively in concert with Jennifer Ward-Lealand's voice. This is where the beauty of the play, delivered by these two performers and directed by Conrad Newport, displays true genius.  Margaret O’Hanlon, Otago Daily Times

The story of Rita Angus and Douglas Lilburn's relationship is the stuff of legend and brilliantly realised in this Dave Armstrong/Conrad Newport collaboration...This is a tremendous production by Armstrong Creative in which four of our pre-eminent artists in New Zealand engage each other onstage while an audience sits in awe. Patrick Davies, Theatreview

It is difficult to imagine a better way to appreciate the art of Rita Angus and Douglas Lilburn than this celebratory tribute in which a sharp dramatisation of their quarrelsome relationship is counterpoised with Michael Houstoun's exquisite renditions of Lilburn's piano works while a luminous display of Angus' paintings appears as an enormous projection. Paul Simei Barton, NZ Herald

“Houstoun's choice of tempo, cadence and dynamic in all the chosen pieces could not be handled more sensitively in concert with ‘Ward-Lealand's voice. This is where the beauty of the play… displays true genius” – Theatreview