ABOUT
Wolfgang Creative
The founding principle of Wolfgang Creative was to originate high quality New Zealand art that is uniquely dark, comic, but ultimately recognisable to a wide New Zealand audience. We produce unique, primarily comedic work, where New Zealanders can see aspects of themselves represented on stage. We deliver entertainment, whilst also recruiting new theatre-goers who, following being part of the Wolfgang Creative experience, continue to return to view new works produced by the company.
Our Team
Kirby-Jane Hallum, Business Director
info@wolfgangcreative.co.nz | Phone: 02747475023
Ben Hutchison, Creative Director info@wolfgangcreative.co.nz| Phone: 0212453040
Kirby-Jane has been involved in the script development and production of several of Ben’s projects. Along with a degree in theatre studies from the University of Otago, she also holds a PhD in English from the University of Auckland. Kirby-Jane has published a book and a number of articles on 19th-century literature and culture
In high school, she was the kid who had her nose continuously stuck in a book, which eventually culminated in a PhD in English Literature from the University of Auckland. An academic career teaching professional writing and researching 19th-century literature followed, before Kirby-Jane turned her hand to roles in research management and commercialisation at leading New Zealand universities.
Kirby-Jane is conscientious and detail focused. She subscribes to the cult of lifelong learning and is currently dedicating herself to learning te reo Māori.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and English at Otago University, Ben completed a Master of Arts in Scriptwriting at Victoria University under the guidance of Ken Duncum, in 2006. Since graduating Ben has continued to hone his craft through writing for varying mediums including theatre, TV, film, radio, academic journals, and advertising campaigns.
Ben is most renowned for his work with the musical-comedy quartet The Lonesome Buckwhips, which he has written for and starred in. During this time The Buckwhips have won ‘Best Comedy’ at The New Zealand Fringe Festival, been Billy T. James Award nominees, and toured the show to theatre festivals throughout New Zealand and Australia.
In 2009, the four-part mockumentary series he wrote, starring The Buckwhips, aired on Radio New Zealand. Having also worked as contracted writer for Great Southern Television, Ben was commissioned by Capital E to write a musical-theatre show for the 2011 National Children’s Theatre Festival. The show was entitled Vinnie Septic and the Princesses and opened to frenzied acclaim.