Only the Stars Know Where I've Been

An ode to aspirations of lassoing passing asteroids and inflating the moon.
Only the Stars Know Where I’ve Been is a full-length contemporary dance work. Calling upon the dust collectors in our subconscious, it sculpts a vision of an approaching solar cycle. Time darts where it pleases, entangling utopias into a tapestry of sentiment, before the seasons of doubt arrive. Musings of youth somersault over one another and meet dreams of the drowned - a brooding pair navigate the inscriptions on their skin.

With its tender performance, sculpted choreography, and uncanny world, Only the Stars Know Where I’ve Been conjures an opportunity to introspect and converse with your quiet contemplations. An artefact of self-reckoning and self-fractures through a queer temporal lens. Amidst the finite delicacies of parasitic relationships and stinging ties, we stand in the sentiment of what it means to return to oneself after extreme change.

Choreographic Direction by Jake Starrs
Performers and Collaborators: Stella Grace Seawright and Sydney Magnus
Dramaturgy by Jane Smolira
Sound and Music Composition by Hugo Butler
Produced by Jake Starrs

Presented by Ctenophora.Co. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Ctenophora Co. hosts the choreographic stylings of Jake Starrs and collaborators. Their contemporary work negotiates personal anecdotes and gestural evocations to craft surreal landscapes. These terrains are tender and nuanced, underpinned with unearthly vignettes. An air of whimsy and playful aptitude is fortified by Ctenophora Co.’s visual and synergetic identity.



The best little arts festival in the bay is back! Fringe in the ‘Stings celebrates the breadth of talent in Heretaunga and beyond with a smorgasbord of artistic delights to suit every palate, at a price everyone can afford.

Fringe looks a little different this year, with a range of shows throughout the festival at St Matthew’s Hall on Eastbourne Street, from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th October, with satellite venues around the town.

From an award winning run in Wellington, CRUNCH plays daily, exploring the crunchy parts of life via physical theatre and the vehicle of a chippie packet, to charm children and grown ups alike.

Our artist’s hub at the 118 Studio on Karamu Road transforms to an early morning dance party where you can get your boogie on with your coffee, then to an intimate theatre for a series of solo and duo shows that will make you laugh and cry.

There’s music of all sorts, from musicians with disabilities to big band jazz; spooky folk to full throated soul; djembe drumming to comedy ballads; ambient doom to anarchistic noise; heavy metal to heart-filled melodies.

Witness local legend, Stretch, launch his band, the Sinners, with brand new, never before heard material that you, the audience, will help co-create. Get All Folked Up with Ish’s eclectic mash-up made for dancing.

There’s rangatahi theatre - a self penned piece about grief; and Habyt’s Emilia, dealing with poetry and feminism in the time of Shakespeare. There’s drag and burlesque to tickle your fancy. There’s contemporary dance, set in the stars.

There’s something for everyone, and everyone is included. Fringe in the ‘Stings creates space for locals to experiment both as performers and audiences. Low ticket prices and free shows mean you can sample a medley of artistic experiences without breaking the bank.

Tickets are on sale now. Check out the full programme at www.fringeinthestings.co.nz.