Swimming with Sharks is coming to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum for a limited season across March and the April school holidays. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live theatre experience that allows visitors to get up close to an extraordinary array of sharks, from the prehistoric past to the oceans of today.
Through expressive puppetry and engaging storytelling, tamariki will discover the diversity of sharks that inhabit the seas around Aotearoa and beyond. Meet the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; learn about “shaggy beard” sharks that dwell on the ocean floor; and encounter an impressive five-metre-long great white shark. Along the way, hear fascinating facts about these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.
Jo Brookbanks, Public Programme Content Specialist at Auckland Museum, says Erth is internationally recognised for their extraordinary wildlife puppetry.
‘We’re excited to be working again with Erth to bring another engaging live experience to our audiences.’
‘Visitors may remember Erth’s previous shows at Auckland Museum, the much-loved Prehistoric Aquarium and Dinosaur Zoo. Swimming with Sharks continues that tradition of combining beautiful puppetry with real science in a way that’s accessible, educational and fun for tamariki and their whānau,’ says Brookbanks.
Scott Wright, Artistic Director at Erth, says the performance encourages children to see sharks in a new light.
‘Sharks have captured imaginations for generations. With Swimming with Sharks, we invite young explorers to step into an ocean world and discover the beauty, diversity and importance of these extraordinary animals,’ says Wright.
Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes. Children are invited to sit up-close on floor cushions, while adults can join them or relax on sofas at the back. Relaxed sessions are available.
Tickets are offered on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis. Children aged 0–4 are recommended free tickets, while children aged 5–15 and adults can choose their own ticket price. All attendees require a ticket.
Performances take place on 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 March, and 3–19 April, with sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are available now at aucklandmuseum.com.
While visiting, families can also explore the Museum’s special exhibition Sharks for an even deeper dive into the science and stories behind these iconic marine animals, on now until Monday 1 June. See aucklandmuseum.com/sharks for full details.
