Massive Moment:
Havoc in the Garden

15 years ago this month marked the second collaboration between Massive Theatre Company and BAFTA award-winning writer and actor, Lennie James.

Havoc in the Garden (2011), premiered across three Auckland venues – Aotea Centre, Māngere Arts Centre and The PumpHouse Theatre. Written by Lennie James and directed by Massive’s founder Sam Scott, the production brought together a powerful ensemble of performers delivering a critically acclaimed season of the production. The cast included Fasitua Amosa and Kura Forrester, now Massive board members, as well as Olive Asi, Loretta Aukuso, Scotty Cotter, Wesley Dowdell, Joe Folau, Ash Jones, Tuyet Nguyen, Beulah Koale, Miriama McDowell, Bree Peters, Nicole Thomson, and Jake Toaga—artists who would go on to make significant contributions across stage and screen.

Prior to Havoc in the Garden, Lennie James had already formed a creative relationship with Massive through the development of Sons of Charlie Paora (2002-2005). This collaboration would continue to grow in later works, including Half of the Sky (2019-2023) and new 2027 production, Sideways Into The Light.

Reflecting on Havoc in the Garden, it stands as an important chapter in Massive Theatre Company’s history—a moment where local voices met international artistry to create something distinctive and enduring. It not only continued Massive’s collaboration with Lennie James but also further cemented a foundation for a creative partnership that continues to inspire new work and new generations of Massive’s.

For more details on the production, visit the official production page.