Who is this young, strong wāhine who's taking the New Zealand theatre world by storm? Emilie Hope decided to find out a little bit more about her.
The one and only, Eleanor Strathern, A Mulled Whine. Photo by Becki Moss at Milk Crate.
When choosing a perky spot for a portrait, Eleanor Strathern’s first suggestion was the yellow wall in Milk Crate. I wasn’t waiting long before she promptly walks in with a chirpy “Hi!” and our simultaneous gift of the gab began, covering things like humble beginnings, obstacles, balancing multiple jobs, mental health, and the theatre industry.
Twenty-five year old Eleanor is the woman behind the award-winning theatre production company A Mulled Whine. She’s the BATS of Wellington theatre producers, the champion of the pick-n-mix and the indie. She’s been on my radar ever since I reviewed Discharge is Rotten to the Core for the 2018 Fringe Festival, although she’s been a familiar face in the Wellington scene for a lot longer. The quality of shows Eleanor has produced reflects her much deserving awards, both essentially telling us to keep an eye on this budding producer, and I have been. Enough to be intrigued to ask her a couple of questions, taking time out of her busy schedule. Quite literally. Eleanor has put on a show in February, six in March, two more in April and May respectively, another in June, and we’re only halfway through the year. So how did it all start?