Hatch! or The Plight of the Penguins uncovers a bizarre chapter from New Zealand's rich history. Southland entrepreneur, Joseph Hatch, seized any business opportunity but his biggest venture was the Macquarie Island steaming works which placed him at the centre of an international outcry over cruelty to penguins; Hatch rendered down more than three million of them for their oil!
Geoff Chapple's rollicking new play recreates the 1920s magic lantern lecture tours Hatch undertook throughout New Zealand and Tasmania to justify his actions and clear his name.
Starring Stuart Devenie (The Daylight Atheist, Disgrace) and making full use of dozens of historical photographs Hatch! or The Plight of the Penguins offers a rousing hour in the company of Hatch, a charismatic, wily man.
SEE the evidence yourself in the breathtaking images!
EXPERIENCE the perils of the Southern Ocean!
LEARN the horrors of penguin oil rendering!
HEAR the man argue his case!
24 Apr - 28 Apr 2007
4 Aug - 11 Aug 2007
9 Oct - 12 Oct 2008
3 Mar - 21 Mar 2009
