THEATRE WITH NO FILTER: A FIERCE EXPLORATION OF GIRLHOOD, DESIRE AND CONSENT

As national conversations intensify around consent, rough sex, and the pressures young people face navigating intimacy – highlighted in a recently published New Zealand Parliament Justice Committee report warning that changing sexual norms are blurring the line between consent and assault, Silo Theatre’s upcoming production Playfight arrives with striking urgency.

The searing and award-winning debut play by British writer Julia Grogan makes its New Zealand premiere with Silo Theatre from 14 – 30 May at Silo Hall, 3 East Street in Auckland.

Three teenage girls gather beneath an ancient tree. They are loud, funny, curious, and growing up faster than they know how to handle.

Fast, messy and unflinching, Playfight follows fifteen-year-old friends Keira, Zainab, and Lucy as they navigate sex, shame, and friendship. What begins as childish games beneath their tree slowly collides with teen realities – first sexual experiences, leaked videos, shifting loyalties, and the pressures young women face in a world that often leaves them to figure things out alone.

Playfight is a vulnerable and scorching portrayal of adolescence unfolding within a wider landscape of rising sexual violence, illuminating the pressures and contradictions girls must navigate as they come of age.

Written in the aftermath of public debate surrounding the “rough sex” defence, playwright Julia Grogan says bringing the play to Aotearoa carries particular meaning. “I feel deeply emotional knowing that Playfight is being staged in Aotearoa. I can only imagine the horror which must have rippled over Auckland when Grace Millane was found. Perhaps by bringing this story to life on that soil, we are honouring Grace’s memory - and affirming the enduring power, solidarity and legacy of young girls.”

Silo Theatre Artistic Director Sophie Henderson says the play struck her with rare force. “This play floored me. It’s urgent, fearless, and like nothing I’ve read before - the contradictions and hunger of girlhood are all here, fierce and true.”

The New Zealand cast features three remarkable wāhine. Ana Chaya Scotney (Ngāi Tūhoe) known for the feature Millie Lies Low and her award-winning live show ScatterGun: After the Death of Rūaumoko. Mirabai Pease, who appeared in Evil Dead Rise, Black Hands, and Shortland Street, and Liv Parker, recognised for her work in Wellington Paranormal, Creamerie, and the Winner of the 2023 NZ Comedy Festival ‘Directors Choice’ Award.

The production is directed by internationally respected story consultant and acting coach Brita McVeigh, whose work spans film and television projects across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The creative team also includes designers Talia Pua, John Verryt, Rob Larsen, Paloma Schneideman, andTautahi Subritzky bringing a bold visual and sonic world to the story.
 

★★★★ “Enthralling tale of the ascent to adulthood” – The Guardian
★★★★★ “A marvellous jewel of a play” – The Times
★★★★★ “Stunningly accomplished” – The Observer
“A blinding, sucker-punch of a play – honest, hilarious, heartfelt” – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Silo Theatre is proud to be partnering with BodySafe Tiaki Tinana to support the Playfightschools tour. Delivered by RPE, the programme works with young people to promote healthy and respectful relationships, and offers specialist guidance to help schools hold safe, thoughtful conversations around the work.

The season also acknowledges the work of Love Grace, the charity founded in memory of Grace Millane. Through its annual appeal, Love Grace invites people to donate bags of essential items for women experiencing hardship or seeking refuge from violence, with donation guidelines available here.

Playfight is more than just a theatre show, it’s a cry for change in a terrified world.

PLAYFIGHT
By Julia Grogan
Season: 14 – 30 May
Venue: Silo Hall, 3 East Street, Auckland Central
Duration: 70 minutes, no interval
Touring to schools across Auckland in June
For more info and bookings visit www.silotheatre.co.nz

CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Julia Grogan
Director: Brita McVeigh
Cast: Ana Chaya Scotney, Mirabai Pease, Liv Parker
Design: Talia Pua, John Verryt, Rob Larsen, Paloma Schneideman, Tautahi Subritzky
 
Playfight was originally presented by Grace Dickson Productions and Theatre Uncut at Roundabout as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, before touring to Bristol Old Vic, Belgrade Theatre Coventry and Soho Theatre in 2025.